The majority of small businesses have less confidence in the government now than they did at the time of the 2007 budget, a new survey shows.
A snap poll conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found that 93 per cent of small firm owners said that their confidence in the government has decreased since the last budget.
Just seven per cent said it has increased or stayed the same.
John Wright, FSB national chairman, said: "A series of damaging tax rises and increases in red tape in the last year have totally undermined the government's position with the UK's 4.5 million-strong business community."
He added that changes to tax rules "totally contradicts promises the government made about reducing red tape".
In other news, the Forum of Private Businesses today called on the prime minister to ensure he listens to the needs of SMEs when the new small business working group is set up.
