Dealing with the Economic Downturn in Melton

The current economic picture (1)  Unemployment in the Borough rose from 0.8% to 2.3% between April 2008 – January 2009  An increase of 188%  Melton – joint highest rate of increase across the County

The current economic picture (2) WardMaleFemaleTotal Craven3.8%1.3%2.7% Dorian3.3%1.8%2.5% Egerton5.4%2.1%3.8% Newport2.7%0.7%1.8% Sysonby3.7%1.3%2.5% Warwick4.4%1.4%2.9%

The current economic picture (3) Melton CAB – dealt with more than £3m of debt in 07/08 Since November, increase in workload of 20% Exacerbated by recession Impacts on health, relationships, quality of life

The current economic picture (4)  House sale prices are back to March 2006 levels in county – Melton has seen the biggest decrease on last years prices by 17.7%  In summer % of visitors in county’s towns & village centres expected to be worse off next year – but respondents in Melton amongst the most optimistic

The current economic picture (5) 89% of businesses highlighted that they are suffering as a result of the economic downturn 65% of businesses highlighted that turnover over the last 12 months has decreased 70% of businesses highlighted that profitability over the last 12 months has decreased 54% of businesses highlighted that staff numbers have decreased over last 12 months Town centre vacant units – increased from 5.6% to 6.1%

What are we doing? Town Centre promote & market the town – Think Melton, Shop Melton promote & market the town – Think Melton, Shop Melton support business development – retail training support business development – retail training Vacant units / inward investment Vacant units / inward investment

What are we doing? Business Programme of business support / development activity Programme of business support / development activity Proactively work with the local business community – lobby on key issues Proactively work with the local business community – lobby on key issues Rates relief Rates relief

What are we doing? People & communities Improve access to support – awareness raising Improve access to support – awareness raising Help with council tax & rents payments – get in touch! Help with council tax & rents payments – get in touch! Support CAB / Melton Credit Union Support CAB / Melton Credit Union

What can you do? Get in touch to discuss any issues! Help raise awareness Volunteer? CAB / Credit Union

Matt Earnshaw Economic Regeneration Manager