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From Small Business Survey Finds 57% Feel Government is Working Against Them

How could the CPS survey on small businesses affect Rachel Reeves' budget planning?

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Small business survey may pressure Chancellor Rachel Reeves on costs The survey conducted by the Centre for Policy Studies found that 57% of 500 senior small business bosses feel the Government is working against them due to tax hikes and rising costs. Robert Colvile, head of the small business division, emphasized that politicians must listen to these concerns as the Budget approaches. Businesses specifically raised concerns about energy costs, business rates, employment costs, VAT, and a shortage of skilled workers. This places pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to demonstrate how her policies can help businesses unlock growth and relieve current burdens.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Sunday
Effect
Mild negative
How direct
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When
Within weeks
The story
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How it reaches Rachel Reeves

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • 57% of 500 senior bosses at small firms felt the Government was working against them.aol.co.uk
  • Businesses raised concerns about energy costs, business rates, employment costs, VAT and a shortage of skilled workers.aol.co.uk
  • The rate of employers' National Insurance Contributions would increase from 13.8% to 15% from April 6, 2025.aol.co.uk
  • Chancellor John Healey is under pressure to help struggling businesses when he gives his maiden Budget on October 28.aol.co.uk

Why it matters

For Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the findings represent a political challenge regarding the perceived impact of current fiscal policy on the backbone of the economy. If the government is seen as working against small businesses, it could undermine public confidence in the Chancellor's ability to manage the economy and deliver growth.

This sentiment is part of a broader economic discussion, as businesses face multiple pressures, including rising energy costs and increased regulatory compliance. The reports also note that the Treasury spokesman claims the government is supporting firms through business rates cuts and a £4.3 billion support package.

What we don't know yet

  • Will the Chancellor adjust policy priorities in the upcoming Budget to specifically address the concerns raised by small businesses?
  • How will the government respond to the finding that more than twice as many small to medium-sized enterprises say the Government isn't on their side as say it is?

What would change this answer

The Chancellor announces specific relief measures for small businesses in the Budget.The political pressure from the CPS survey would likely ease, suggesting the government is responding to the concerns.
The Treasury spokesman provides further details on the £4.3 billion support package.It could provide a counter-narrative to the survey, suggesting the government's support is more substantial than the businesses perceive.

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The full eventSmall Business Survey Finds 57% Feel Government is Working Against Them Everything aboutRachel Reeves

Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.