Red tape relief call

HUNTINGDON'S MP, Jonathan Djanogly, has again urged Ministers to relieve small businesses, several thousand of which form the backbone of the district's economy, of red tape.

Mr Djanogly, Shadow Minister for Trade and Industry, has tackled Industry Minister Jim Fitzpatrick on the floor of the Commons, and signed an Early Day Motion reminding the Government of small firms' crucial contribution to the national economy.

"I pointed out to the Minister that, with both individual and corporate insolvencies now on the increase, many small businessmen and women are increasingly feeling a heavy weight of the regulations and stealth taxes coming from this Government," Mr Djanogly said. "In many cases, this is leading them simply to close up shop.

"In Huntingdonshire small businesses provide the life-blood of our local economy. Government should be doing more to support them in their day to day battle against red tape."

The EDM - these things are never debated, but they give MPs the chance to show collective feeling on issues - says: "This House believes that small and medium-sized businesses are vital to the future of the UK economy; recognises that they generate over half the UK's national wealth and private sector jobs; notes that the twin burdens of regulation and an over-complex tax system have worsened considerably since 1997; further notes the absence of an effective voice for small businesses in Government; regrets that entrepreneurial activity has declined for the last two years; and calls on all Ministers to recognise and include the needs of small businesses in all policy making and implementation."

Mr Djanogly and North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara were members of the Commons select committee debating the Companies Act 2006. Its purpose - to simplify business regulation.