Cornish business people are hoping for ’radical reform’ to business rates in today’s Budget.

Ann Vandermeulen, development manager for Cornwall Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: ’In our submission to the Chancellor of the Exchequer the Federation of Small Businesses has called for a pro-business Budget that boosts jobs and long-term growth. 

’In Cornwall business rates have hit a critical point and so we will be looking for radical reform here.

’As always fuel duty and infrastructure concern our rural economy, also, rising costs of employment, insurance and regulatory burdens.

’Recognising tight public finances, we need the Chancellor to use this Budget to show he backs Cornish businesses to improve job creation and drive productivity.’