GOVERNMENT moves to boost business are "too slow", warn chartered accountants across the South.

Chancellor Gordon Brown's long-term reviews "will not give results for five to 10 years" - accountants want action now to remove barriers to business growth.

Southern Society of Chartered Accountants' Bournemouth-based president Lee Blunden said: "The success of business in the South is not just about the interest of the few, but about the quality of life and future of thousands of employees, their families and consumers in general.

"In their interest, government must grasp the obvious opportunities to increase productivity."

SOSCA's parent group, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, is urging the Chancellor to use his March 21 Budget to:

  • Review skills policies: "Of urgent concern to businesses of all sizes is the lack of leadership and specialist skills in the workforce."
  • Make a formal commitment to simplify tax and set a timescale: "Government cannot continue to avoid the fact that the volume of UK tax legislation has doubled in the last 10 years and has added considerable complexity to the system."
  • Keep business on the Cabinet agenda: "With the increasing likelihood of DTI reorganisation or actual break-up, ensuring a Cabinet minister is an advocate for business and industry is an absolute minimum requirement."
  • Improve tax credits for small business research & development.
  • Cut the 30 per cent headline rate for corporation tax.