Georg Braun: Real Help Needed From Sutton Council As Jobseekers Double In Sutton During Recession

The number of Sutton residents claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance has virtually doubled during the last calendar year according to figures obtained by Nonsuch by-election candidate, Georg Braun, and the local Conservative team. Out of all of the 33 London Boroughs, Sutton has seen the 5th highest increase with the amount of claimants doubling at 111%.

Georg has joined Conservatives on Sutton Council by saying that these figures are a partial reflection of how badly the recession has hit the area. This is because the figures do not show the amount of self-employed residents who may have fallen on harsh economic times since March 2008.

The London Boroughs with higher increases in jobseeker applicants include Havering, Kingston upon Thames, Bexley and Richmond upon Thames – which are notably all Outer London Boroughs.

Local man Georg Braun who runs his own small business in Surrey sends out the following message: -

"The sharp rise in unemployment shows our community to be highly vulnerable to the recession. It may be a global recession, but there are practical actions we can take here and now to support affected households and local businesses:

"1. Freeze the Council Tax, following our campaign at http://www.freezethetax.org.uk/.

"2. Look for practical measures to support local businesses and maintain employment.

"3. Review the effectiveness of planned expenditure now (such as the controversial £8.5million Sutton Life Centre) to ensure that the Borough has the fire power to do what is right for its community."

Do you agree with Georg Braun when he says Lib Dem-run Council should take more positive action, like freezing the council tax, to help local people cope with the recession?

If you do, have your say on Polling Day on Thursday 2nd July.