Council candidates told to deliver for business

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched its business manifesto for next month's local government elections in England.

The manifesto contains recommendations in eight key areas that the FSB wants local government candidates to focus on. It claims that action in these key areas by local authorities would make a real difference to small businesses and benefit the local community through increased jobs and prosperity. Roger Culcheth, FSB Local Government Spokesman, said: "When England goes to the polls on May 4 people will be voting for the future of their local area. A key part of that future is the local business community. Small firms provide employment, business rates and economic growth. These vital contributions must not be forgotten in the local elections.

"Small business owners are also voters. We urge all candidates to commit to working with the local business community.

"Therefore, local government election candidates need to remember that the wellbeing of their area depends on successful small businesses. Our manifesto makes clear what small firms want from their Council. We expect candidates to deliver."

The eight key recommendations are:

• Consulting business - Genuine consultation by councils about their spending plans for the following financial year.
  
• Finance - Awards from the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive Scheme used to benefit business.
  
• Procurement - Local authorities committed to the Small Business Friendly Concordat.
  
• Regulation - An end to over-zealous enforcement of regulations and more emphasis on help and guidance for businesses.
  
• Transport - Affordable town centre parking to encourage shoppers to use local businesses and support town centres.
  
• Business waste - Measures to prevent fly tipping, of which small businesses are often the victim.
  
• Crime - Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships must address business crime, which is often not given a high priority.
  
• Planning - Regional and Local Development Documents must reflect small business needs.