Kirklees Council announces recession help

Jun 10 2009 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

COUNCILLORS have approved a £1.7m plan to minimise the recession in Kirklees.

The Cabinet yesterday introduced the three-year package to boost the economy.

Kirklees will spend millions of pounds on improving volunteering across the district, including £2m for disabled volunteers and £3m for volunteer managers.

The council also plans to install artwork on 18 empty shopfronts to reduce their negative impact.

A council roadshow with the slogan “Real Help Now” will tour Huddersfield and Dewsbury explaining the advice and support available to families suffering during the recession.

Kirklees will also provide funds to help people start their own business.

Council leader Clr Mehboob Khan said: “We are offering help to job seekers, committing funds to town centre improvements and encouraging people to ‘buy local’ – the more local companies are supported, the more buoyant the Kirklees economy will become.

“A strong business community is essential to provide local employment.”

Council deputy leader Clr Kath Pinnock added that Kirklees was supporting training. The Cleckheaton Lib Dem said: “We’re focusing on jobs and training. The focus on apprenticeships is particularly good and I hope it will continue.”