BUSINESS leaders have identified rising tax, the red tape burden, improving skills and major investment in the public transport system, as priorities to be tackled by the next Government.

The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce & Industry joined other chamber colleagues nationwide to publish the manifesto, Empowering Business, following extensive consultation among its members.

It challenges all political parties to meet 14 key business priorities to ensure Britain is a thriving economy.

Frank Stroud, chief executive of the Thames Valley CCi, said: "There is a clear and vital role for Government in creating the right conditions for business.

"This manifesto gives us the opportunity to emphasise again the key issues local companies have identified."

Other key points in the manifesto included reforming the planning system, giving greater flexibility on development plans and speeding up the planning process, and matching or improving the current commitment to invest £180 billion in transport over the next ten years.