FENLAND: Small businesses not attracted by Budget says FSB local officials

LOCAL supporters of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) responded glumly to today's Budget announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

"This is not a budget for business", said Michael Self, FSB Regional Organiser. "This is an 'old Labour' budget which does absolutely nothing to stimulate the economy, or protect employment."

"The Chancellor forecast that the economy will shrink 3.5% in 2009 and yet claims that growth is expected to pick up again by 2010!"

"Apart from doubling the capital allowance rate to 40%, there is little to help struggling small businesses."

"Small businesses account for 99.3% of all businesses in the UK; provide 58% of private sector employment and generate more than half of this country's GDP and yet they are being taxed out of existence."

"Where does the Chancellor expect the growth to come from?"

"Trade is sluggish; there is little confidence in the future among consumers; finance is still being squeezed by the banks; and yet the Government seems to think that 'training' will protect jobs!"

"Wake up and come out into the real world Mr Darling."

"Britain needs an injection of stimulant into the economy, yet where is that in this budget?"

"This seems to be a budget promising jam again tomorrow, yet that seems to be postponed until after the General Election which has to come!"

"Britain needed an increase in the threshold before income Tax and National Insurance becomes payable."

"That would have taken many low paid workers out of the tax band and put more money into almost everyone's pocket and ease some of the burdens for businesses."

"More cash in the public's pocket - that's what creates the 'feel good' factor and stimulates confidence and, thus, spending."

"We are now in the middle of a crisis of confidence and this budget does little to change that.