Bank fees and costs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have risen since the end of last year.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) says many small businesses are unable to borrow from banks, because their lending criteria are too restrictive.
Banks say demand has fallen as firms focus on paying back existing loans.
A separate report shows commercial lending is still sharply lower than at the height of the boom.
The annual survey from the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) reveals that in the mid-2000s, nearly £20bn was being borrowed, but this went down to under £7bn and is now just over that.
; BBC

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