In her full reaction to the Chancellor’s Summer Budget, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“George Osborne has delivered a genius balance of politics and economics that provides stimulus for the Norfolk economy, while continuing the tough task of eliminating the deficit. Steady deficit reduction means the economy still has the oxygen it needs to grow.”
“Norfolk companies will offer a cautious welcome to proposals on transport, training and local decision-making, but will want to see precisely how the Chancellor’s moves will make roads better, improve skills, and allow them more power to determine what happens in our city, towns and county.”
“The Chancellor has confirmed that Britain is open for business. Firms across Norfolk will cheer not just the new permanent Annual Investment Allowance, further Corporation Tax reductions, and lower National Insurance for small businesses, but also commitments to childcare and higher education that help them employ Norfolk’s best.
Ahead of the publication of the government’s Productivity Plan on Friday, she added:
“Several key themes for business – such as export support, compensation for those affected by infrastructure schemes, planning reform, and transport – were conspicuous by their absence in the Budget. Companies will want to see more detail on how the government’s productivity plans help to improve the business environment, because any plan will only make a difference if it becomes easier to do business on the ground.”
Commenting on key additional measures announced in the Budget, Caroline Williams said:
Annual Investment Allowance
“Businesses across Norfolk will cheer the announcement of a permanent, £200,000 Annual Investment Allowance – something we have been advocated for over many years. This will be an important shot in the arm for businesses that are investing for growth. As the one tax break that offers significant support for medium-sized companies, it will support the firms that repeatedly deliver jobs and tax revenue here in the Norfolk.
“It means businesses can plan investment over a reasonable period, and help to deliver the productivity increases Britain needs.
“The Chancellor should in future go further, and extend the Annual Investment Allowance to cover premises improvements and more types of training, not just plant and machinery.”
National Insurance
“The less National Insurance Norfolk companies have to pay, the more confidence they will have to hire new employees. This will be a real boost for small and start-up businesses.”
Corporation Tax
“The Chancellor’s commitment to further cut Corporation Tax is a clear sign that Norfolk and Britain as a whole is open for business.”
Road investment and road tax
“The decision by the Chancellor to commit the revenue raised by Vehicle Excise Duty to a Roads Fund will be welcomed by Norfolk businesses, who have long wanted to see a dedicated source of roads funding. Investing in the country’s infrastructure to deliver promised investment in road and rail is vital for long-term economic growth. We will need to see more detail on how much extra this will deliver to invest in much needed improvement in our road network. In addition to new and upgraded roads, maintaining the existing network is also vital.”
Devolution and local growth
“The British Chambers of Commerce research shows that business people in England broadly support the concept of further devolution to their local area. The announcements today on further powers for cities, local decisions on Sunday trading, and Enterprise Zones for smaller towns will be welcomed by many.
“Greater local-decision-making must come alongside greater efficiency in local government, greater accountability and better results. Our proposal for a ratepayers’ vote on local economic development strategy and funding decisions would ensure that plans for an area’s future have the support and input of the whole business community.”
Apprenticeship levy
“If the government is serious about boosting apprenticeships, it should focus on improving quality of apprenticeships to make them more attractive to employers.Businesses of all sizes need positive encouragement and an apprenticeship system that meets their needs. It’s also disappointing that businesses have not been consulted on the move to introduce an apprenticeship levy on larger firms.”
Housing
“It is disappointing that we didn’t hear anything in the budget to tackle the root problem in the housing market – the lack of supply. The Government needs to put forward credible plans on how it will address this issue.”
Access to childcare
“Expanded access to childcare is a win-win for employers and parents alike, helping more talented individuals to stay in work. We hope that roll out of this measure is done in a cost effective manner.”
Also in reaction to the Chancellor’s Summer Budget, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce,said:
“Companies will offer a cautious welcome to proposals on transport, training and local decision-making, but will want to see precisely how the Chancellor’s moves will make roads better, improve skills, and allow them more power to determine what happens in their cities and counties.
“Most Chamber member companies already pay their staff at or above the Living Wage. They will want assurances, however, that moves to create a National Living Wage follow an evidence-based approach, and minimise impacts on smaller firms, for whom adjustment will be harder.
“We hope that the Chancellor’s reference to the free movement of aircraft over West London is a portent of a rapid decision to expand aviation capacity at Heathrow, in line with the Airports Commission’s recommendation.”
Commenting on some of the additional measures announced in the Budget, John Longworth said:
Inheritance tax changes
“Passing the fruits of hard work to the next generation appeals to everyone. Yet it is wrong to raise inheritance tax thresholds at the expense of pension saving. This particularly hurts entrepreneurs, who defer their own compensation while investing in their companies.”
Tax avoidance
“As the vast majority of UK businesses diligently pay all the tax they owe, we support the Chancellor’s attempts to create a level playing field for all firms. The employment of aggressive tax avoidance schemes by a small minority continues to be a major source of frustration within the business community.”
Pensions
“Any reform to pension saving and taxation must bear entrepreneurial aspiration in mind. Cutting pension tax relief for those who seek long-term rewards would be a step backwards.”
National Living Wage
“Making ends meet is clearly an issue of huge concern to many in Britain today. And we applaud all of those businesses that pay, or aspire to pay, their staff above the Living Wage. That includes a huge majority of Chamber of Commerce members, with 61% paying all staff at or above the Living Wage, and a further 20% paying most staff above the Living Wage rate.
“They will want assurances, however, that moves to create a National Living Wage follow an evidence-based approach, and minimise impacts on smaller firms, for whom adjustment will be harder.”
