Cuts announced today by the Chancellor will have a damaging
impact on the private sector's ability to drive forward the economy
in Birmingham and Solihull and to create jobs, said business
leaders.
Paul Bassi, president of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said:
"We welcome the commitment to limit the National Insurance rise for
employers as well as the government's commitment to freeze business
rate payments in 2010-11.
"However, the size of the cuts proposed for business related
programmes is daunting.
"We welcome the focus on apprenticeships which are really
important if we are to make our future workforce work-ready but we
are concerned about the apparent demise of the Future Jobs Fund
which we believe has been successful. The Chamber employs
four people on this scheme.
"Our greatest concern is the government's stance on regional
development agencies with £270 million cuts
proposed.
"In the past, the success of government efficiency savings has
been questionable. The new Efficiency and Reform Group should learn
from the experience of industry to deliver the savings as
successfully and as painlessly as possible."