by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A small business chief has called on the Government to offer tax breaks to firms and individuals giving up their time to fill gaps left by spending cuts.

Roger House, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses Kent and Medway, criticised the Big Society idea, saying business was already doing its bit. But many were working so hard as well as working for charity that they did not have the time or energy to do more.

Speaking at a business show in Kent Showground, Detling, Mr House said: "I don't need the Government to tell me about the Big Society. I'm convinced we're already doing it, we just don't need them to come out and tell us."

Business generated taxes that went to the Government to pay other people to do things. If they wanted more, they should offer incentives. "Give me a tax break for giving up some of my hours," he said.

But Clive Relf, a partner with Reeves, the accounting firm with offices in Chatham Maritime and Canterbury, welcomed the Big Society, saying it did no harm to remind people to do voluntary work. Firms employing 10 people or more could broaden their engagement with the community. Volunteering and other community work could give them a competitive advantage.

"If big government is to become small government, a lot of things won't be done. Unless you have a plan like the Big Society, you will have a big hole." But he added: "The Big Society is nothing new. It's an old idea in new wrapping."