BUSINESS leaders in Huddersfield took their budget demands to a Treasury chief.
Steven Leigh, head of policy and representation for the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce outlined its hopes in a meeting with Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury, and Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker.
At the meeting, Mr Leigh stressed the chamber’s own policy proposals to promote economic growth and support manufacturing.
These include revising and improving tax allowances for smaller firms investing in research and development, extra government support for exporters and continued funding of road and rail projects.
Mr Leigh said the meeting in Todmorden also covered issues affecting business, including the problems still encountered by smaller firms in getting bank finance, the soaring price of fuel and the need for financial incentives for companies to recruit apprentices and take on new employees.
Said Mr Leigh: “There is no doubt whatsoever that the price of fuel is now creating hardship to the general public as well as to businesses unable to recover extra costs in the present economic climate.”
He said the Budget should implement a “fuel tax equaliser” which would suspend the fuel-tax accelerator – and perhaps moderate the VAT rate – whenever volatility in world oil prices led to excessive increases in the price at the pumps.
Said Mr Leigh: “If ever there was a time for the Coalition to demonstrate that they can take positive action when the situation demands it – then this should be it.
“The price of fuel affects the whole economy and further taxation at this time will inevitably add to inflationary pressures, which are already a cause for great concern.”
Mr Leigh added that the chamber said smaller firms should be provided with the incentive of tax breaks and allowances to recruit apprentices and create new jobs.
“At a time when the country needs to encourage growth and create employment any increased ‘jobs tax’ in the form of employers’ National Insurance contributions doesn’t really make sense,” he claimed. “Companies who take on apprentices should be encouraged by major concessions – even a zero rate – on employers NI contributions for apprentices”.
Chamber director Andrew Choi said: “Our chamber continues to maintain a very strong lobby to the Government for the introduction of business-friendly measures which will encourage investment, create employment and facilitate strong economic growth.
“Our engagement with Local and National MPs makes certain that the voice of business for our region is heard in the corridors of power in Westminster.”
