Chamber outlines key requests at upcoming Autumn statement

Business leaders in Greater Birmingham have today outlined their key asks in the upcoming Autumn statement due tomorrow.

The Autumn Statement provides an update for the Government’s plans for the economy based on the latest forecasts from the Office of Budget Responsibility. The Chancellor will use the statement to update MPs on the government’s taxation and spending plans.

In partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is calling to;

• Reform the planning system to speed up infrastructure projects and give businesses much needed room to grow. 

• Introduce a rolling five-year guarantee for the continuation of the full expensing tax break, to increase take up. 

• Upgrade the energy grid to unlock new business development and investment. 

• Extend business rates relief for hospitality and retail businesses, freezing the multiplier, and look at reforming the system to better reflect firms’ ability to pay. 

• Introduce tax breaks to encourage firms to offer Occupational Health benefits that keep people in work. 

GBCC director of external affairs Raj Kandola said: “In the run up to Wednesday, the Chancellor has been making the right noises in prioritising British businesses and promising an autumn statement for growth – now we need to see this ambitious blueprint brought to life.

“With interest rates and levels of inflation still at historically high levels, the Chancellor will need to employ a laser-like focus on driving firm level investment and tackling the inherent costs pressures that so many businesses are struggling to overcome.

“Clearly reforming the business rates system would make an immediate difference and improving the planning system to unlock the delivery of largescale infrastructure projects would help to restore some much-needed stability after the fallout from the decision on HS2.

“Data from our latest Quarterly Business Report reveals the inherent labour market challenges firms continue to face, so reforming the tax system to help retain staff along with making it easier to attract skilled talent need to figure highly on the list.

“Many businesses were left scratching their heads as the Government rowed back on its Net Zero commitments so it’s essential the Chancellor offers a credible plan on how we can become more energy efficient and less reliant on importing it, especially given the volatile geo-political situation we are currently witnessing.

“As always, the GBCC Policy Team will be on hand to review the announcements made on Wednesday and offer a full explainer of what they mean for local businesses.”

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