- England's local governance reform and devolution proposals
- Devolution plan outlines strategic authority establishment in England, surrendering power from Westminster to local leaders.
- Andy Burnham and John Healey are pushing for a major transfer of economic power from the Treasury to a new office in northern England.
- Burnham plans for devolution across England, while the British Chambers of Commerce comments on Healey's budget and urges business inclusion.
SME Confidence Tracker Shows Businesses Demand Tax Cuts Ahead of Budget
What happened
Bibby Financial Services released its SME Confidence Tracker, finding that reducing the financial burden is the top priority for small and medium-sized enterprises before the Autumn Budget. SMEs are demanding lower corporation tax, a freeze on capital gains tax, and a reversal of the rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions. According to the report, 54 per cent of SMEs are postponing major investment until after the Budget.
Why it matters
The findings reflect mounting pressure on businesses navigating higher operating costs and an uncertain economic outlook. The low confidence level among SMEs challenges the government's ability to translate its pro-business agenda into stronger private-sector investment.
Andy Burnham and John Healey are pushing for a major transfer of economic power from the Treasury to a new office in northern England, while the British Chambers of Commerce comments on Healey's budget.
Who's involved
- Bibby Financial ServicesProvides input on SME priorities to inform John Healey's Budget.
- John HealeyIs expected to present the Autumn Budget.
- Andy BurnhamShapes the economic context through his political agenda.
- governmentIs the subject of the SME demands for tax relief and cost reduction.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- governmentSpeculative
The demands for tax relief and cost reduction could challenge the government's fiscal policy credibility.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
-
Bibby Financial Services
company in the Czech Republic
Nothing else this week.
-
John Healey
British politician (born 1960)
-
Andy Burnham
British politician (born 1970)
Related events
- Andy Burnham and John Healey are preparing for the first Budget of the new government.
- Burnham's spending commitments are reportedly putting pressure on Healey's budget as the government prepares its first budget.
- Healey plans to use the British Business Bank for a new National Wealth Fund, while Burnham seeks a positive economic outlook despite Iran war constraints.
- John Healey announced plans to spread economic growth across the UK, involving the National Wealth Fund, the British Business Bank, and partnerships with North East mayoral authorities.
- Burnham discusses economic details regarding Healey's role, addressing tax concerns after Rachel Reeves' budgets, while also mentioning Dale Vince and Rosebank.