Liberal Democrat Shadow Business Minister Lorely Burt has called on ministers not to end many of the schemes that have been helping businesses get through the recession.

Speaking to Business Voice WM – at an event jointly organised by Forrest Research and Birmingham Business School – the Solihull MP said: “The Government has refused to change the timing of its VAT increase.

“The Federation of Small Businesses says the change should occur from February 1 to help the January sales. I agree.

“The top up credit insurance scheme is due to end on December 31. The car scrappage scheme is due to end at the end of February.

“The first year capital allowances scheme is due to end at the end of April. I have asked the Government for certainty about these schemes,” she added.