BUSINESSES are struggling to compete due to the phenomenal increase in UK tax legislation, say chartered accountants.

Research by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) reveals that the number of pages in successive Finance Acts has trebled since the early 1980s, increasing by more than half (54 per cent) in the last five years alone.

ICAEW regional manager Keith Proudfoot said much of the legislation was overly complicated and poorly drafted, resulting in the need for amendments at a later date to iron out problems.

"Taxpayers are being swamped by a barrage of legislation, whereas other highly-developed countries have tax systems that work perfectly well, with a tax code and Finance Acts that are much shorter than those in the UK," said Mr Proudfoot.

"Businesses are especially vulnerable to the burden of tax red tape, and the limited time available for Parliamentary consideration means there is a lack of consultation, scrutiny and thorough understanding of the effects the legislation may have on taxpayers."

To highlight the issue, the ICAEW's Tax Faculty has devised a monitor called Big Ben's Statutory Tax Burden.

Using a graphic illustration of Big Ben - a symbol of British Parliament and law-making - this aims to show changes in the number of pages in successive Finance Acts.

The ICAEW's Tax Faculty is also campaigning for a tax system that is certain, properly targeted, subject to proper consultation and fair and reasonable. Further information can be found at www.icaew.co.uk/taxfac