Pre-Budget tax nerves send confidence to three-year low

BUSINESS confidence has plummeted to its lowest in three years, a survey says, with tax fears “quashing” investment and growth in the economy.

- By Mauricio Alencar

'GRIM READING': Alan Vallance

Labour boasts the UK is “open for business” after it struck investment deals with tech companies and trade deals with India and the US.

But a survey by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales found between July and September business leaders were less optimistic about prospects than at any time in nearly three years.