Louise Hellem, CBI Chief Economist, said:
“In a period of geopolitical upheaval, a Spring Forecast that
prioritises certainty over chasing headlines is the right
approach for the Chancellor.
“Reducing the cost of living, cutting borrowing and growing the
economy are the right priorities, but they can't be achieved
without clear efforts to tackle the high cost of doing business.
That's what will give firms the headroom they need to invest in
the technology, trade and training that drive jobs and wage
growth.
“That requires government and business to work in partnership to
lower industrial energy costs, find practical solutions to
implementing the Employment Rights Act, and design a tax system
that rewards, rather than penalises, employment, investment and
risk-taking.
“Businesses back the growth mission and want to see delivery at
pace. Delays in planning consents, skills approvals, grid
connections or access to innovation funding translate directly
into lost investment, higher costs and greater operational
uncertainty.
“Modern business needs a UK that can move at speed where
government and industry work together to remove bottlenecks,
build capability and deliver major projects. Now is the moment to
turn stability into momentum and give firms the confidence to
invest, grow and deliver for communities across the country.”
