Otley’s MP has praised a Government initiative for helping 40 new businesses start up in his constituency.

Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) says the support provided by the new Enterprise Allowance scheme is helping small businesses across the city lead the local economy’s revival.

The MP hailed the success of the project during the Department for Work and Pensions Questions in the House of Commons last week.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “Small businesses are vital to driving our economy and the Government needs to continue to support new enterprises as much as possible.

“The new enterprise allowance scheme is clearly a success here in Leeds, and hopefully it will continue to grow and help more people to start up their own businesses.”