BUSINESSES in York are being asked to give specific examples of how they're being affected by red tape and unnecessary regulation.

Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is askingbusinesses to come forward with their problems and tell them what regulation they would like to see abolished, as part of a regional consultation.

This is part of a nationwide initiative by the British Chambers of Commerce which will submit the results to the Government’s Your Freedom Campaign, which aims to identify unnecessary red tape.

Businesses can send their examples to Ian Williams, the chamber’s director of policy, at ian.williams@yourchamber.org.uk and information will be treated as confidential.

The Chamber Burden’s Barometer, an annual review of the cost of regulation on business, showed that complying with red tape cost Yorkshire businesses £6.39 billion since 1998.

Ian Williams said: “Regulation is a kin to a business tax and money spent complying with red tape is money not spent in business growth, investment or job creation.”