Right, we are in a recession – now let's get out of it

Jan 24 2009 By Adrian Pearson, The Journal

Political row mars council's efforts

CONSERVATIVES in North Tyneside have forced the mayor to set up another recession task force.

Mayor John Harrison has taken legal advice to see what type of group he will have to set up after Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors forced through a motion calling for urgent economic reviews to take place.

Labour councillors opposed the motion because Mr Harrison says he has already set up a cross-party group to look at efforts to help Tyneside businesses.

Last night Tory mayoral candidate Linda Arkley said opposition groups had not received any invitation and called on the mayor to "cross the party divide" and set up a group to help businesses.

She said: "We should be working together to help businesses, and calling on the Government to make real changes to help.

"The VAT cut did nothing and we do not seem to be any closer to getting rate relief for businesses struggling to survive.

"I think it is time the mayor decided what he is going to do and as well as speaking to the chief executive about forming this group I will be writing to the mayor to make it clear why he has to act."

Mr Harrison and other Labour councillors have accused the Conservatives of wasting time with "yet another group" instead of supporting the current efforts being made to tackle the downturn.