Forge ahead with deficit reduction, urge businesses
Almost two-thirds of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire businesses believe the government is right to press ahead with its deficit reduction programme. That's according to new research from the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce.
A survey from the chamber ahead of George Osborne's Autumn Statement said only 16 per cent of respondents thought it should abandon the plans.
Priorities for businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire include investment in local infrastructure projects, youth employment incentives, a cut in VAT and scrapping employment red tape.
The survey found that 58 per cent of respondents believe infrastructure investment should be the government’s top priority in order to stimulate the economy. Reducing employment legislation was second – a measure backed by 55 per cent of businesses.
George Cowcher, chief executive of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "The chamber continues to support the way in which the government has managed to sustain financial stability in the UK, unlike other markets in the Eurozone, where instability and high interest rates have proved to be extremely damaging.
"The coalition has yet to display enough urgency on tackling some of the issues facing businesses. Whilst ministers have identified many of the right policies, they must now be delivered as a matter of priority."
