Converting empty shops into art galleries and introducing a new local ’currency’ are among the innovative ways in which London boroughs are helping to ease the impact of the recession on their local communities and firms. They are just two examples of the good practice initiatives featured in a new guide produced by London Councils’ improvement and efficiency partnership Capital Ambition.

Others include publicity campaigns to make people aware of all the benefits to which they are entitled, special networking meetings for small businesses to build contacts with larger organisations, and partnerships with DIY stores to offer cut price loft insulation to help cut people’s energy bills.

The Waltham Forest High Streets Arts initiative is designed to help keep shopping areas vibrant and interesting by using empty shops to hold exhibitions of work by local artists and groups. This has included using an old branch of Woolworths in Leytonstone to display the work of 60 artists.

From next month residents in Lambeth will be able to use the special currency ‘The Brixton Pound’ to buy local goods from participating shops around the borough. The scheme, supported by a range of local shops, is designed to boost the local economy and get people thinking about buying locally produced items.

In Sutton a special initiative has been set up to give executives and professionals who have been made redundant help and advice on finding a new job or training opportunities, or starting their own business.

London Councils lead member for Improvement, Councillor Michael White, said:
“These are still very difficult and troubling times for families and businesses across the capital but Londoners should be assured that boroughs are determined to do everything they can to help ease the impact of the recession on them.

“Boroughs and their partners have come up with a package of common sense and innovative ways to help families save money, keep our town centres vibrant provide training and support to people made redundant and to help local businesses maintain a solid foundation in this bleak economic climate.

“This guide just outlines the foundations that boroughs and their partners have laid. As councils gain a deeper understanding of the recession’s impact in their local areas they will develop the appropriate responses.”

The guide can be downloaded at:
www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/media/current/pressdetail.htm?pk=768

For more information about London councils view:
www.londoncouncils.gov.uk