THE Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire has welcomed business reforms announced in the Queen's Speech but says it is waiting to see the details of various measures.

It wants the Government to re-think its policy on climate change levies, which it says is damaging some manufacturers.

Speaking after the Speech, Chris Harvey, the Chamber's lobbying and representations manager, said the body had argued for reform of the planning system and would wait to see "if reforms being proposed deliver what we require in terms of both flexibility and protection".

Welcome

"The Chancellor announced the Regional Venture Capital funds, the reform and simplification of VAT for small businesses, and reform of capital gains tax, all of which we've called for and welcome, although we've had to wait to see the detail," he said.

"We welcome the measures to encourage an enterprise culture through education and the proposals to reform the bankruptcy laws.

"The Enterprise Bill promises reform of the competition regime with criminal penalties.

"We certainly support fair competition but we must see the detail of the proposals, which shouldn't impose controls so rigid that they frustrate the competition and enterprise they seek to support."

Mr Harvey said the Chamber had "no argument" with the principles of proposed changes to climate change legislation. But added the group had "constantly told the Government the climate change levy they have introduced is damaging industry".