Help back business growth – Chamber

THE leader of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has urged the Chancellor to provide businesses with 'relief from escalating taxes' ahead of today's Spring Statement,

- writes Hannah Baker.

The call from chief executive John Brown comes as Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver her address to Parliament against a backdrop of weak economic growth and high government borrowing.

Ms Reeves has already ruled out so-called "tax and spend" policies, but has signalled some cuts could be made to Government departments, including the civil service.

Her Autumn Budget was heavily criticised by the business community after she announced a rise in National Insurance contributions for employers - up from from 13.8% to 15% which comes into force next week.