One of the Tories top MPs says small businesses must come first in next month's Budget.
Essex MP John Whittingdale insists Chancellor Gordon Brown must tackle red tape on April 17.
The shadow trade and industry secretary who represents Maldon and East Chelmsford carried out a survey of businesses based in his constutuency and received almost 200 replies.
The results were "generally encouraging" but, he says, they confirmed one of the biggest problems facing small businesses are Government regulations.
Said Mr Whittingdale: "There is a relentless flow of regulations small businesses have to deal with. It is an additional burden on their businesses in both cost and time."
The Essex branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has already said Mr Brown's pre-Budget statement "failed to adequately address the burdens currently placed on the payroll work of small businesses".
It hopes Mr Brown will do better on April 17.
Published Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article