ORGANISATIONS across York have been outlining their hopes for today's Budget announcement - calling for a number of measures to boost the city's economy.

Chancellor George Osborne will today open his red briefcase and deliver the 2014 Budget, detailing how the Treasury will continue to work towards reducing the defecit while achieving the Government's goals in supporting business and families.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation believes housing, youth unemployment and the cost of living all need to be addressed, and is calling for a number of measures.

Speaking about the connection between getting people in to work and tackling poverty, Frank Soodeen, public affairs manager at JRF, said: "Assuming that official forecasts prove correct the damage done to household incomes by the recession will still take several more years to repair.

"The Chancellor has previously suggested that achieving a budget surplus by 2018-19 will require a further £12 billion reduction in social security spending after the General Election.

"Should this fall disproportionately on working age benefits, including tax credits, it is difficult to see how a further widespread deterioration in living standards would be avoided unless work was established as a reliable route for people to escape poverty, independently of ongoing state support.

"This requires action both on low pay as well as further measures at the bottom end of the labour market to raise workers' skills, increase employers' demand for such skills and ensure progression opportunities."

Equally in support of an employment focussed budget is the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, which is calling on the Chancellor to answer the criticisms of employers about the lack of work readiness of young people.

York and North Yorkshire Chamber pesident Suzanne Burnett said: “No-one wants to see a lost generation of young people devoid of the skills and aptitudes that are needed to deliver more growth and prosperity. Businesses are telling us with increasing frequency that skills shortages are a problem – it is clear that it is restricting growth.”

The West and North Yorkshire chamber has backed a number of calls made by the British Chamber including asking for a two year extension to the Apprenticeships Grant for Employers, and increasing tax relief from 30 per cent to 50 per cent for investors in businesses run by under 24's.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is seeking a Budget for enterprise.

Simon Williams, North Yorkshire FSB regional chairman, said: "FSB research continues to show increased confidence across all sectors and notably in members' investment and employment intentions.

"With the recovery underway it is important that businesses begin to feel the measures already announced are having a positive effect on their business. This is why the Chancellor should look at 'focus and delivery' for initiatives already announced to create long-term growth.

"The FSB has welcomed the Government's recent moves to support employment, notably the Employment Allowance and a pledge to cut red tape. The focus now needs to be on addressing fundamental structural issues. Getting more competition and transparency in key sectors such as energy and financial services will greatly help small firms."