FPB sceptical of Budget motives

Date: 26th March 2010

The Forum of Private Businesses (FPB) has expressed a degree of scepticism over the motives of the small business support measures recently announced in the Budget.

While the organisation welcomed the measures, saying they will benefit a number of firms, Phil Orford, FPB chief executive remained sceptical about the government's motives.

Earlier this week, chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling announced that the government's Time to Pay scheme, which enables firms to pay off their tax debts in instalments, is to be extended by four years.

Mr Orford said: "While we're sceptical of the motives behind some of the measures announced in the Budget, coming so soon before a general election, there are some reasons to celebrate.

"We had asked the chancellor to clarify and extend the Time to Pay scheme as it can be a lifeline for many small firms struggling with cash flow difficulties, so its extension for another four or five years will be welcomed."

Mr Darling also announced a new five-day target for public bodies to settle invoices from smaller firms.