CBI’S reaction to spending review and autumn statement

Print Solutions

The CBI has responded to the Comprehensive Spending Review and the Autumn Statement, given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the House of Commons.

Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI director general, said: ‘This was a good spending review for longer term investment in the economy but there is a sting in the tail in the size and scope of the Apprenticeship Levy.

‘Businesses will be pleased to see the Chancellor staying the course on deficit reduction, his commitment to an industrial strategy, and the emphasis on nurturing a vibrant business community.

‘Business recognises there are tough choices to be made in balancing the books, but many are reaching a tipping point, where the cumulative burden of the living wage, apprenticeship levy and business rates risk hurting competitiveness.

‘The Apprenticeship Levy, set at 0.5%, is a significant extra payroll tax on business and by widening the net it will now catch more smaller firms. We welcome the creation of a levy board to give business a voice on how the money is spent and will work with the Government to ensure a focus on quality.

‘Many firms will be disappointed to have been kept hanging on for a much needed review of business rates until next year’s Budget.’