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FSB calls on government to 'ease off'

Feb 20 2008

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling on the government to 'lay off' SMEs in this year's Budget.

Urging the government to reconsider the fuel rise charge and tax arrangements for SMEs and family firms, the FSB says that confidence in the government among small firms is presently low.

John Wright, national chairman of the organisation, says that over the past year small firms have received a 'series of body-blows' that have been difficult to recover from.

'The year has already begun with the threat of a recession which is difficult enough for small businesses to deal with, without having to contend with more obstacles put in the way by the government,' he remarks.

The relationship between the government and SMEs needs to be 'reinvigorated', Wright adds.

In related news, Andrew Hubbard, vice president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, says that the government capital gains tax amendments may be 'good news for some and bad news for others'.

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