Housing 'focus' of economic plan

The council agreed to help small firms and people in need of housing

Housing will be "a primary focus" under plans agreed for the South East by a regional Economic Delivery Council.

The group set out priorities for people and businesses affected by the current financial downturn at its inaugural meeting on Monday.

Members agreed to ease finance burdens and cash flow for small businesses.

They also agreed to look at a range of schemes to open up opportunities for people who need housing, but who are unable to access finance.

'Hit hard'

Public sector and large businesses will also have a responsibility to look to the financial security of their suppliers, under the plans.

And the Economic Delivery Council, part of the South East England Development Agency (Seeda), will look for infrastructure projects in the region that could be sped up.

Jonathan Shaw MP, South East Regional Minister, said the council was "an important on-going forum" that would identify issues for people and businesses "hit hard" by the economic downturn.

He said: "The priorities we have set out today reflect the need to ensure that businesses and individuals in the region are supported during this difficult time."

Seeda covers Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.