BUSINESS group the CBI is today warning all political parties that whatever the make-up of the new Government after the General Election, the Cabinet must “get down to business” with a clear delivery plan for the first 100 days to keep economic growth on track, boost investment and create opportunities.

In Best Foot Forward – its business plan for the first 100 days – the UK’s leading business organisation urges the new Government to focus on pro-enterprise measures and to take steps to get on top of the country’s finances. As an immediate step, the CBI is calling on the new Government to outline its fiscal rules for the Parliament and initiate a comprehensive spending review.

John Cridland, CBI director-general, said: “Whether we have a majority, minority or Coalition Government, we ask those involved to ensure that the period of post-election uncertainty is kept to a minimum.

“We cannot afford a power vacuum that delays urgent policy decisions and unsettles potential investors, so any new Cabinet must get down to business as soon as possible.

“But if horse-trading is required to form a new Government, politicians must not duck the tough questions just to reach agreement and risk undermining the recovery before the ink has dried.

“Much remains to be done to secure the UK’s economic future and business wants to see a confident, new administration getting into its stride by taking action on the key priorities, including staying on top of the public finances, meeting the urgent demand for new homes and making progress on EU reform.

“For any incoming Government to make its mark it needs clear delivery milestones in its first 100 days.”