A new scheme that aims to slash red tape for business is to be trialled in Kent.

The Thames Gateway Kent Partnership, a group of private, public and community organisations involved in the regeneration of Kent Thameside(Dartford and Gravesham, Medway and Swale), is among seven areas chosen for the experiment.

The Government’s new Business Support Simplification Programme (BSSP) is due to go nationwide by 2010.

Under the scheme, some 3,000 publicly-funded schemes - including grants, subsidies and advice - will be slashed to fewer than 100.

It follows angry protests from business over many years about the burden of excessive regulation.

The Government claims the new slimmed-down programme will make a bigger impact on business, cut duplication and make it easier for businesses to get the support they need.

The six councils taking part are Croydon, Newham,, Cornwall, Lincolnshire, Nottingham City and the Tees Valley Group. Each will trial different aspects of programme delivery, some with their local Business Link.

Shriti Vadera, minister at the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), said: "Businesses need grass-roots support that is easy to understand and easy to access. This is what business tells us they want, and we will deliver it. We are working closely with local authorities, RDAs and Business Link providers to ensure businesses experience a seamless transition."

Martin Temple, chairman of the BSSP Transition Management Board, added: "Local authorities can have a real impact on communities through helping businesses grow. Their assistance in making sure BSSP delivers for business, now and it the future, is welcome."

The topics being trialled include how to reach disadvantaged communities and how best to meet the needs of specific business groups such as creative, ethnic minority, women and young entrepreneurs.