Recession
The UK is officially in recession. Unemployment is rising at the fastest rate since the last recession. There have been local redundancies in the manufacturing, engineering, logistics and retail sectors. And as a result, more people are claiming Job Seekers' Allowance.
The economic forecasts may be bleak, but the council and its partners are working hard supporting local people and businesses during tough times. They have approved a series of actions to help those experiencing difficulties.
This includes helping people with council tax and benefits queries due to recession. Last year there was a 23.5 per cent rise in calls about council tax and a 47.5 per cent rise in benefits queries. Between January 2008 and January 2009 the council processed 25 per cent more benefit claims. The Government is providing a one-off £114,000 payment to fund these increases in workload.
The section on the right provides useful links to websites that can give advice on coping with pressures relating to money, work, housing, family, local support and training/development.
Business Support and the recession
For information on support available for businesses during the recession visit our businesses dealing with recession section.
Debt problems
North Lincolnshire Council set up the Debt and Housing Advice Network in June 2008.
It aims to work together to help anyone in North Lincolnshire with a debt problem to manage their debt and stay in their home if it is at risk.
You can find out more on our debt pages
Recession Survival Guide
The council has produced a directory of useful contacts for local and national organisations who can offer help to anyone affected by the recession.