It is thought that councils across the UK plan to introduce a workplace parking levy (WPL) scheme, which will see businesses being taxed on parking provisions they provide for staff.
 
In response, the Forum of Private Business has said that it is deeply opposed to the scheme and believes it will provoke fury among business owners, who could be forced to pay tens of thousands of pounds each year simply for providing their employees with somewhere to park their cars.
 
Forum spokesman Chris Gorman said: 'When the Nottingham WPL scheme was given the go-ahead last year, we said at the time that it would only be a matter of time before it spread to other towns and cities. Sadly, it appears those fears will soon be realised.
 
'In our view, and in the view of our members, it’s simply a stealth tax which will have a disproportionate impact on small businesses.'

He added: 'This proposal comes as small businesses are battling with economic uncertainty, public spending cuts and worrying levels of inflation.
 
'We would urge any businesses whose local authorities are considering implementing a WPL scheme to oppose it in every way they can.'