Chamber reaction to chancellor’s autumn budget
Date published:
John McCabe, chief executive, North East England Chamber of Commerce:
We know the Chancellor has had difficult decisions to make with this budget. He was right to focus on stability and protecting the most vulnerable households and businesses. This is what our members have called for and the government appears to have listened.
There are some important commitments on public spending, infrastructure and benefits rising in-line with inflation. The government’s business rate proposals support both the hospitality and retail sector and local councils – this is a good first step. But energy costs continue to be a key concern for our members. Now that the details of the government’s energy bill relief scheme have been published we will make sure we engage to get vital support for businesses in our region. Taken together these interventions may help the North East weather some of the biggest economic headwinds in 2023.
The government’s renewed commitment to an extended devolution deal for the north of the region is also welcome. This could play a pivotal role in levelling up the North East. The right deal will be an important win for our region and we hope this is confirmed very soon.
However, as the OBR forecasts confirm Britain is now in or nearing recession, it’s vital the government continues to work with us to stimulate business growth and international trade, ensure we’re meeting future skills demand and help build a more open and inclusive economy. These are the Chamber’s priorities and we will continue to make this case on behalf of our members across the North East.