Businesses demand Pre-Budget tax cuts

Britain's small businesses have demanded that a tax cut make up part of the coming Pre-Budget Report.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has stated that by increasing business costs on the back of a weakening trading climate, companies and jobs will be put on the line.

What's more, the consortium has told the government that any tax cuts cannot just be aimed at a personal level and must benefit the struggling small business sector.

Director General of the BRC, Stephen Robertson, commented: "The government should revise its plans to batter retailers with a range of extra burdens which can only increase pressure on [small businesses]."

"The Chancellor must use the Pre-Budget Report to reduce present and future costs."

The BRC is also hoping that the Chancellor will announce the end of the tax on disused commercial buildings next Monday (24 November).

Speaking to the press earlier this week, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown hinted that the government was considering cutting taxes.