A new 'Listening Panel' has been set up by Ann McKechin, MP for Glasgow North.  Ann is meeting constituents in the North of Glasgow to get important feedback and to help focus priorities in the local area. The first meeting on Tuesday 7 April will focus on the economy. 

Ann said: 

"The economy is obviously the dominant political issue at the moment, so I think it would be appropriate for the first Panel meeting to concentrate on the local impact of the global downturn."

The Listening Panel's focus will be to examine the impact of the economic downturn locally and to provide the local MP with first-hand accounts and personal experiences of the economic situation.
 
The economy meeting of the Listening panel is not a debate about national economic policy - but instead exists to hear about local experiences of the economic situation.
 
Ann explained the aims of the Listening Panel:

"Today, we are taking the large scale national measures necessary to give real help now for individuals, families and businesses and the Prime Minister will be hosting the G20 summit in London this Thursday to discuss global economic reforms.
 
"My job is getting the local view and I will be listening carefully to the communities I serve. The Panel will help us see a full picture of the situation as it develops.
 
"As a Member of Parliament, I get lots of briefings from politicians, economists, and interest groups. This however, is a chance for me to find out the experiences and perspectives of local people - constituents. 

The Labour Government launched an immediate and wide ranging national response to the global situation to help people including a £145 tax cut for basic rate taxpayers, a national cut in VAT this year which will benefit households by £275 on average.
 
We have secured billions of pounds of additional support for businesses; helping firms with cash flow difficulties; protecting jobs and improving liquidity for small and medium size companies; and agreeing deferred payment of over £1.7bn in tax by 96,000 businesses since November.
 
In addition, we have seen investment from the UK Government in the rapid response service for Scotland, known as Partnership Action for Continuing Employment.
 
And for home owners Government action has been supported by cuts in interest rates over the last 6 months which are now saving households with the average £100,000 tracker repayment mortgage an average of over £200 per month.
 
Ann added:

"It is important that local MPs who help shape the Government response to the situation have the opportunity to get a real perspective direct from the local economy.
 
"I believe people can see that the Labour Government has responded swiftly to the global crisis, providing real help when it is needed most. But if we are to offer targeted help, we must have a local knowledge of the problems, and the local priorities. That is why the main purpose of the Listening Panel is for me to listen."