Small-business group: C-charge has hidden costs

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11:53 am, October 2, 2008
Small-business group: C-charge has hidden costs

The Federation of Small Businesses says claims by pro-congestion charge groups that public transport users will be unaffected by the introduction of road pricing in Manchester aren’t true.

The organisation, which represents around 21,000 businesses in the North West, argues that the proposed charge will result in higher transport and wage costs for businesses within the city which will have to be passed onto customers.

“No matter how you travel into the city centre, or at what time, you will ultimately feel it in your pocket. Your sandwich at lunchtime, a new pair of shoes, a night out at the theatre or simply popping out for a drink — the cost is set to rise,” said the organisation’s regional policy manager Paul Henly.

The FSB last month polled 10,000 of its members across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, North Staffordshire and South Lancashire and said it found that 87 per cent opposed the charge.

A spokesman for The Yes Group, a group of business, environmental and transport organisations in favour of the TIF bid said that he was "glad the FSB has acknowledged that only one in tem people will pay any charge."

He said the report published by KPMG last week proved the bid would provide tangible economic beneits to the city from reduced congestion and a transformed public transport system.

"Critics tend to ignore any research that doesn't support their prejudices."

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