The cost of red tape to UK business has now reached £88.3bn, up £11bn on last year, according to the latest BCC’s latest Burdens Barometer.

David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, says: “The Burdens Barometer highlights a clear problem for UK business. The cost of dealing and complying with new laws and regulations over the last 12 years has been far too high.

 “During this critical time for the economy, we need businesses to be driving recovery and creating jobs. But, the government must play its part by putting the brakes on the relentless flow of red tape.”