Parties put to the test over CBI's 12 points

Apr 13 2010 by Sarah Green, The Journal

WE ARE now in the manifesto period and as each party outlines its proposals it is critical that business has a strong and consistent voice.

CBI will be measuring and assessing each parties’ proposals against the 12-point plan that we issued last autumn.

Primarily we need the new Government to deliver a clear and credible plan that would return the budget to balance by 2015-16, and put the UK’s AAA credit rating beyond doubt.

The 12-point plan called, New Government in Action: The Business Agenda outlines the measures needed to put the UK on a path to sustainable growth.

Whichever party wins the election will have a lot on its plate, but the number-one priority must be to set out a clear and credible plan for restoring the public finances and supporting economic growth.

Other areas for urgent action include establishing a competitive regime for business taxes so that companies can drive the recovery forward, as well as minimising the scarring effects of youth unemployment.

The 12 priorities spelt out in the CBI agenda are:

Set out a sustainable path for the public finances

Establish competitive business taxes

Develop a strong banking system

Prioritise energy security

Work towards a low-carbon economy

Develop the infrastructure for economic growth

A global voice for UK business

Skill students for the future

Tackle youth unemployment

Attract and cultivate enterprise and industry

Reform services to improve the economy

Address public sector pensions

The CBI is calling on the new Government to establish clear timetables for implementing the 12 points within 100 days of taking power.

We believe that focusing on these priorities will help create the right conditions for job-creation and economic stability.

Over the coming days we will assess each parties proposals in each of these areas with the aim of supporting a policy environment which is supportive of business and economic growth.

Sarah Green is regional director of regional director of CBI North East