BCC response to the Queen’s Speech
18/11/09 | 12:28
Commenting on the Bills announced in the Queen’s Speech today, David Frost, Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
On the Fiscal Responsibility Bill
“Fiscal responsibility is neither the preserve of legislation nor of politics. It should be every government’s guiding principle. The UK urgently needs a credible plan to cut the deficit, reduce public borrowing, and enable businesses to lead our return to growth.
“Work to cut borrowing needs to start now – protecting areas of spending that underpin the productive economy, such as infrastructure, while paring back the overall size of the public sector.”
On the Equality Bill
“We support the intentions behind this legislation, but the mechanisms it uses will increase the administrative burden on business, and are unlikely to have the desired impact in terms of equality.
"The Equality Bill's original purpose, to simplify and consolidate, is welcome. However, the additional burdens included in the Bill must be removed before it becomes law. The BCC supports the removal of new powers for tribunals, removal of the dual discrimination clause, and the removal of mandatory gender pay reporting.”
On the Digital Economy Bill
“Universal, high-speed broadband is a crucial piece of business infrastructure that the UK badly needs. A commitment to two megabite broadband is a start, but the target could be more ambitious.
“How to fund this infrastructure without financially impacting on businesses is not yet clear. A new telephone line levy will add to business costs at a time when they can least afford it.
“We would prefer that the government looked again at their spending commitments and other taxes to fund what is a critical piece of investment for our future economy.”
Ends
Media Contact:
Sam Turvey
Tel: 020 7654 5813
Email: s.turvey@britishchambers.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
The BCC recognises the scale of the challenges currently facing our economy. That is why we are running three campaigns, together with Chambers and members, to push for policy changes that will enable the private sector to drive recovery and future growth.
The three campaigns focus on:
Rebuilding Britain’s business infrastructure
Breaking down barriers to growth
Delivering jobs through local enterprise and global trade
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the National Voice of Local Business.
The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.