Business ‘needs council support’

Mr Perkins said local authorities had a key role to play in areas such as helping people get the right skills needed by businesses.

He said: “Councils are under tremendous financial pressures but at the same time what we need to see are councils working with retailiers to try and reduce barriers to people using local high streets.

“Another key issue is access to finance so we see local authorities working with local businesses to support them to access the finance they previously got from the banks but now find difficult to do so.”

Mr Perkins was speaking during a visit to York where he launched a new network of senior Labour councillors from across Yorkshire who will work together to develop ideas to support business in the region.

He said: “Labour in general terms believes that Government should be there to help and support economic growth, the Conservatives generally have a more laissez-faire approach that says all Government needs to do is get out of the way and let the private sector get on.

“We need Labour local authorities to say if we believe in intervention let’s make sure its a positive intervention that supports business rather than things that get in the way and we are seeing examples of that in York and across the country.”

Mr Perkins visited Future Prospects, York Council’s employment and training advice service, and met Sophie Jewitt, owner of the Cocoa House cafe and shop.

Coun Alexander said: “We are working to support new start-ups and the growth of existing businesses in York to ensure the city provides a range of new job opportunities for York residents.

“The important role small businesses perform for the nation’s economy and their role in getting the country back to growth should not be underestimated so I’m really pleased to see Toby championing small businesses here in York.”