Government still failing to get banks lending

Commenting on last week’s figures showing a rise in corporate failures and the number of personal insolvencies at its highest level since records began, Thurso said: "Time after time, the Government throws around big numbers in headline-grabbing pledges in an effort to convince business that it is helping, and time after time it fails to deliver.

"Now more than ever, ministers need to lay down the law with the semi-nationalised banks to make sure solvent businesses and individuals get access to the credit they need to survive the recession."