We believe that the proposed congestion charge will seriously impact on small businesses operating in Manchester. The charge, of up to £5 for motorists entering and leaving the city centre and its environs, is likely to encourage entrepreneurs and employees to go elsewhere.

 

We are concerned that the anxieties of smaller businesses were simply not considered before the bid for government funds was made.

 

So far, during the consultation process, there has not been an adequate voice to represent the majority opinion of smaller firms – that this is a disproportionate tax they will struggle to pay.