Nearly 100% of SMEs do not believe chancellor Alistair Darling's 2.5% VAT rate cut will result in any material increase to their business, and a further 82% think it was a bad idea altogether, according to research. Despite the chancellor's attempts to get banks lending to small businesses, it seems most are in disagreement with his actions, Access Accounting has found. Nearly half of SMEs had to spend half a day implementing the changes the VAT cut required. Of those surveyed, 21% of SMEs suggested that the chancellor should force banks to pass on rate changes to business overdrafts and loans. Kevin Misselbrook, customer services director of Access Accounting, said the chancellor 'needs to start listening to UK businesses'. 'The government is doing little to help SMEs survive the current economic situation. The VAT rate cut has been more of a burden than a boon to SMEs, forcing them to look internally for ways to save money and operate more efficiently,' he added.