THE government’s Localism Bill does not fully recognise the importance of business in the community, according to the Federation of Small Businesses.

The bill is a central plank of David Cameron’s Big Society agenda.

But the FSB says its proposals for neighbourhood planning do not adequately provide for local business involvement. It is urging MPs to amend this part of the bill.

Ken Moon, chairman of the FSB’s Wessex Region, said: “One of the FSB’s main concerns is that businesses cannot currently become involved with the neighbourhood forums on planning.

“While residents have ideas, it is only fair that the local businesses that generate growth have their say too.”