Giving her initial reaction to the Autumn Budget, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager at Norfolk Chamber said:
“The Norfolk Chamber business community wanted the Chancellor to focus on the basics – rates, roads, and ringtones – and will be pleased that they will see some action on all three fronts.
“While more remains to be done to reduce the impact of business rates on investment and growth, the Chancellor’s decisions will lessen the impact of rate rises on hard-pressed firms in many parts of the county from next April. The Chamber network campaigned hard for a reduction in the relentless rises of this iniquitous tax, and all will be pleased that the Chancellor has listened and reduced the burden.
“Commitments to delivering road and rail infrastructure, and working to improve mobile phone signals on key transport corridors, will help support local business productivity. We are particularly pleased with the awarding of funding for the Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing.
“Despite the inclusion of a number of announcements that will support the Norfolk business community in the short term, more will still needs to be done over the coming months to lay the groundwork for a successful Brexit transition. Businesses will expect greater boldness from the Chancellor – and more radical support for infrastructure and investment – once a Brexit transition period is secured and the shape of a UK-EU deal becomes clearer.”
