Decrease in Businesses in Croydon since Livingstone became Mayor (Croydon Liberal Democrats)

Croydon Liberal Democrats <yourviews@croydonlibdems.org.uk>

Decrease in Businesses in Croydon since Livingstone became Mayor

February 6, 2004 12:00 AM

Figures obtained by Liberal Democrat Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes MP reveal the number of businesses in Croydon, and across London, has plummeted since Mayor Livingstone was elected.

The research was undertaken using Parliamentary answers and Office of National Statistics figures show that across London there has been a 15% drop in businesses registering for VAT.

In Croydon there was a 2.5% drop in businesses registering for VAT between 2000 - 2002.

Mr Hughes said:-

"These shocking figures show that the Mayor is putting people off doing business in London. It is deeply concerning that since Mr Livingstone has been in office, more than five and a half thousand firms have disappeared from the capital.

"With too little interest in the needs of firms in London the Mayor has made the Capital a less attractive place to do business. It is vital that new ways of decreasing stifling regulations and promoting the Capital as the number one place in the UK and Europe to trade are found.

"As Mayor, I would make it my business priority to look at bringing fresh, new and innovative thinking to the way we encourage businesses of all sizes to come and work in London."

Liberal Democrat London Assembly Spokesman for Croydon & Sutton, Steven Gauge said:-

"A vibrant business community is essential to Croydon's economic success. Croydon needs a London Mayor who will work to encourage businesses to all parts of London."