James Cunningham

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MP Speaks Out For Small Business In Budget Debate

In the 2008 budget, Alistair Darling MP said the Government would encourage small and medium sized businesses to apply for public sector contracts, including local authority contracts.

Jim Cunningham MP (Coventry South) in the subsequent debate on the budget called for a review of local authorities’ application process for external contracts as it often disadvantages small enterprises and the contracts are often too restricting.

Last week Mr Cunningham met with a delegation of constituents who represented small businesses who informed Mr Cunningham about the challenges and problems for small businesses in Coventry.

Mr Cunningham said in the debate, “The review should look at the process by which bids are submitted for contracts with local authorities that are worth less than £10,000.

“For small businesses employing two or three people, the ability to tender for these contracts is vital”.

Mr Cunningham continued “since being elected I have worked hard to look after our small and medium sized businesses which provide a crucial role in our community.

“I will continue to push the Government to review the current process used by local authorities.”