LOCAL businesses are being urged to join the British Chambers of Commerce "paperwork protest."

The campaign, Making Tax Simple, aims to highlight the burdens faced by smaller employers as new obligations force them to act as unpaid tax collectors/administrative agents of the State.

Mr Richard Bindless, Chief Executive of Bolton and Bury Chamber, said: "Our members are becoming increasingly frustrated by red tape.

"Our overly complex tax system is a barrier to new business creation and growth. Radical reform is the only answer."

The campaign points to research by the Inland Revenue, which estimates that the cost of collecting income tax, National Insurance, paying statutory sick and maternity pay via payroll is £279 per annum per employee for firms with fewer than five staff.

It will eventually provide the government with specific recommendations to reduce the overall burden of tax administration.

A key priority will be to secure election commitments from all political parties to establish a business-led task force to review the tax system.

Bolton and Bury Chamber is calling on local businesses to voice the frustrations they face with all aspects of the tax system -- the rules, the amounts to calculate, the paperwork involved or poor guidance.

Other areas might include benefits in kind, investment incentives, capital allowances, payroll burdens and direct and indirect taxes. The Chamber is asking anyone with views to contact Policy Adviser Briony Simister 01204 374618 (e-mail bsimister@chamberhelp.co.uk) or access the BCC website at www.britishchambers.org.uk/mts/