Kathy Pollard and Andrew Duff MEP launch Lib Dem manifesto for Business

10.26.04am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th Apr 2005

Parliamentary Candidate, Kathy Pollard and Andrew Duff MEP discuss business and staff training issues with Chris Tidman, Manager of Co-Therm

Kathy Pollard and Andrew Duff MEP have launched the Liberal Democrat's business manifesto in Suffolk, promising to cut through red tape and ensure any new regulations are tested for impact before they are approved. Visiting the Co-Therm factory in Sudbury, Liberal Democrat MEP for the region, Andrew Duff, said "Too often regulations are imposed on business without an assessment of their impact. And once approved, some regulations outlive their relevance, tying up businesses in unnecessary red tape. We want to sweep away unnecessary regulations for business."

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South Suffolk, Kathy Pollard added "We are keen to support and encourage small businesses, which currently lack a strong voice within Government. We would establish a Small Business Select Committee to examine government actions, monitor the cost of bureaucracy and keep the needs of small businesses on the government's agenda."

In their manifesto Liberal Democrats point out that the burden of business rates currently impacts disproportionately on small businesses. We will introduce a business rates allowance, similar to a personal tax allowance. This will represent an annual saving of over £600 for the majority of businesses whose premises have a rateable value of less than £25,000.

The government's decision to introduce tuition fees is likely to result in increased costs for businesses. Many prospective employers will be under pressure to increase sponsorship to students once the full effect of tuition fees bites.

Liberal Democrats will scrap tuition fees and top-up fees for the whole of the UK, as they have already done in Scotland. In order to train young people in the skills needed for business. They will also increase vocational training, introducing a new diploma system, stretching the most gifted and engaging those previously turned off by schooling.