The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for a radical overhaul of tax breaks for small businesses and for an end to red tape to help small firms survive the recession.

The LGA have issued a 10-point plan that includes a proposal to allow small firms to automatically receive rate relief owed to them and to cut red tape so developers are not forced to reapply for planning permission if a site is not developed for more than three years.

"If we are to move from recession to recovery as quickly as possible, town halls need to be freed up to provide even more help to local people and businesses," said Sir Jeremy Beecham of the LGA.

"The recession is claiming around 85 small businesses every day. At this time of repossessions and redundancies, even more people need the vital support that only councils can provide."

For the full list visit www.lga.gov.uk [1]