Budget is a chance to boost our businesses, not hold them back

ALL eyes are now on the Autumn Budget... While I understand Chancellor Rachel Reeve’s ambitions to grow the economy, reduce inflation and boost productivity, increasing tax on businesses will simply make matters worse.

- RICHARD WILEMAN

Businesses in Burton are already facing uncertain economic conditions, declining sales, and rising cost pressures.

Furthermore, the recent Quarterly Business Report survey carried out by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) revealed labour costs as the biggest cost pressure squeeze.

And the QBR also revealed that many firms are absorbing these additional costs rather than passing them on to the consumer.

It’s safe to say that SMEs are doing their best to uplift the economy. The ball is now in the court of the government to uphold their election manifesto promise of not increasing income tax, VAT or National Insurance.

I urge the Chancellor to produce a Budget which restores business confidence, encourages investment, drives international trade and tackles longstanding skills gaps.

Staffordshire devolution has also been making waves across our region, with the East Staffordshire Borough Council, Cannock Chase District Council, and Stafford Borough Council jointly issuing a proposal for the creation of two new unitary authorities.

Meanwhile, the three southern Staffordshire councils of Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire Council and Tamworth Borough Council has called for the creation of three unitaries.