news story

5th March 2009

Vince Cable & Steve Webb Launch South Gloucestershire Credit Crunch Survey

Vince Cable and Steve Webb discussing economic issues

Local MP Steve Webb and Lib Dem shadow chancellor Vince Cable have launched a massive survey of the experiences of local residents of the Recession. The MPs have produced more than 60,000 copies of a "credit crunch survey" which will be distributed by volunteers across the area with a Freepost address to return it to Steve Webb.

The survey provides information and advice to residents about help with mortgages, pensions, jobs and savings as well as asking for peoples' experiences of the economic downturn. The replies will be used to inform Steve Webb and Vince Cable as they contribute to debates in Parliament about the economy.

Steve Webb said:

"Along with my colleague Vince Cable, I am very keen to hear from local residents how the Recession is affecting them. Whether it is short-time working, unemployment, falling savings rates or worries about pensions, it is vital that I stay closely in touch with the issues facing local people.

"Vince and I will be studying the results of this survey carefully and will be challenging the Government about the issues raised in the House of Commons. Vince has already gained a very good reputation for his understanding of he current economic situation, and this survey will further help to inform the contributions that he and I make on these issues".

One of the topics covered in the survey is pensions, where Steve Webb has already helped retired constituents to reclaim more than £50,000 in under-paid state retirement pensions. He is also campaigning for justice for pensioners who had policies with Equitable Life and who have lost large parts of their savings.