FSB: Government should think small first with Budget

Date: 15th June 2010

The new coalition government needs to make sure that any measures outlined in the forthcoming emergency Budget allow small businesses to "innovate, grow and employ".

That is according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which has written to chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne urging him to "think small first" when introducing new fiscal policies.

Expressing concerns about a rise in VAT, the FSB has called for any increase to include a "sunset clause", which it claimed will allow small firms to cope with the administrative burden of such changes.

John Walker, FSB national chairman, said: "While the FSB does not want to see taxes increased we understand that reducing the budget deficit is a key priority.

"It is imperative that any changes to capital gains tax or VAT go hand-in-hand with an ambitious plan for helping economic growth through allowing small firms to employ, grow, invest and innovate."

Posted by Emma Clarke