Business leaders in Oxfordshire have put lower taxes and less red tape at the top of their wishlist for 2004.

Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce president Keith Slater, pictured, said reducing the burden of legislation on business should be a Government priority.

He added: "2003 was a difficult year for many businesses and many of the issues they have had to face in the past 12 months will still be there during 2004.

"It is important for businesses to recognise those key elements that are vital to their own success and focus clearly on them.

"We would hope the Government concentrates on reducing the burden of legislation on small businesses and does not take too great a share of national resources."

Mr Slater, who runs the Essence bed linen shop in Burford, said the chamber would encourage firms to urge councils to apply policies which balanced prosperity with the community's environmental and social needs.

Christoper Quinton, president of the Thames Valley Chamber group, backed Mr Slater, warning prospects for the economy looked uncertain this year.

Mr Quinton, boss of computer software company Halarose, based in Woodcote, added: "With UK public finances worsening sharply we fear that tax rises of £10-£15bn may be needed in the next three years. If this happens it will pose a serious risk to business.

"We need a positive signal from the Chancellor. That means lower taxes and a big cut in the red tape and regulations that hamper so many businesses."

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