THE next Government must keep investing in Liverpool’s infrastructure despite the need for public spending cuts, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce says in its new “business manifesto”.

The Chamber yesterday published a document ahead of the forthcoming General Election listing its demands on the next Government.

It includes a call to cancel the planned increase in National Insurance, and for a moratorium on new employment laws.

But the Chamber says that, while public spending cuts are inevitable, Liverpool should not lose out on the vital infrastructure work the city needs to make it an attractive business destination.

The manifesto says: “The reinvigoration of Liverpool’s infrastructure must continue, even in the face of tough cuts in public expenditure.”

It highlights the need to improve capacity at Central Station, to electrify the train line between Liverpool and Manchester, and to create a new UK high-speed rail network.

Maresa Molloy, head of policy & information at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said: “The latest quarterly economic survey covering the first quarter revealed that there are signs of a fragile recovery, but the Merseyside economy still faces serious risks.

“With the imminent public spending cuts, we want to ensure that the future for Liverpool means a strong business focus by outlining what the city needs to remain competitive.”

The manifesto calls on the Government to simplify the tax system and for local government to simplify planning regulations.