Cridland sets out case for ‘radical’ reform

REDUCING the deficit must remain a top priority for the next government, although major changes are also needed to prevent public services suffering “decline by 1,000 cuts”, CBI chief John Cridland said today.

John Cridland said companies needed less EU regulation. Picture: Getty

Cridland, director-general of the business lobby group, also called for radical reform of the European Union and pressed the case for cementing the UK’s reputation as one of the best places to do business.

In his New Year message, he said: “For business leaders, deficit reduction is a must for the next government. The main political parties are in agreement on the need for action but seem reluctant to be upfront on the major structural changes needed to prevent public services suffering decline through 1,000 cuts.

“Much of the low-hanging fruit is long since gone and only radical solutions will deliver. Let’s see the integration of health and social care, and a significant increase in services available online.”

Cridland also said most CBI members want to remain in a reformed EU, adding: “We need less EU – no more lifestyle regulation on matters like employment, such as the working time directive, which should be left to member states, and no more damaging regulations on UK ­financial services.”

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