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UK Committee Says Government Response to Small-Business Proposals Accepts Six of 36 Recommendations
The Business and Trade Committee told government ministers to rethink their reply to proposals for supporting small firms. It accepted only six of 36 recommendations and called for a revised plan within two months.
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The Business and Trade Committee has instructed government ministers to reconsider their response to proposals for small-business growth in the UK. Liam Byrne, chairman of the committee, said the government needs a bolder plan to help small firms if Britain is to grow the economy, revive high streets and create good jobs.
In February the committee warned that reforms including cutting costs, overhauling business rates and ending late payments are required to halt business closures and high-street decline.
It found small businesses operating under pressures similar to or worse than those during the Covid-19 pandemic. On Tuesday the committee described the government response as inadequate. The response fully accepts only six of 36 recommendations and largely restates existing schemes and commitments, the committee said.
It urged ministers to deliver a new response with stronger commitments within the next two months. Byrne stated that cost pressures on many firms have intensified since the February report.
