Investment in infrastructure, tax simplification and action on business rates are all things which Cumbrian business leaders want to see addressed in this week’s Budget.

Chancellor Philip Hammond will outline the Government’s spending priorities for the next year in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon.

The announcement comes after the Government recorded its highest surplus for 17 years in January, but departments have been told to find six per cent savings.

Pauline Jackson, tax partner at accountancy firm Saint & Co, which is based in Carlisle and has eight other offices in Cumbria and southern Scotland, said Inheritance Tax changes being phased in over the next four years were an issue for her clients.


Pauline Jackson She also mentioned the ‘Making Tax Digital’ scheme, which will result in any business with a turnover of more than £10,000 needing to file quarterly returns online.

“It is the complexity that I do not like,” she said. “It is meant to be easier.”

She also called for the Government to help landlords, a point echoed by Graham Lamont, chief executive of Lamont Pridmore, also based in Carlisle and with offices around the county.

He also called for Mr Hammond to increase tax relief on capital expenditure, which is currently set at £200,000, as a way to encourage firms to make investments.

Mr Lamont said: “That benefits the Government with that kind of certainty, the Brexit uncertainty is not helpful.”

He also called for similar moves on R&D tax relief.


Viv Dodd Viv Dodd, secretary of Carlisle City Centre Business Group, spoke of serious worries among members: “Business rates [which has seen the Government reassess the rateable values of properties, leaving many firms with an increased bill] are a big concern for a lot of small traders.

"We would like some exemptions and for it to be delayed.

“We would also like more support for small independent businesses and more encouragement for developers to build small premises, because at the moment it always seems to be towards bigger shops, which is fine for the bigger businesses.”

Mr Dodd also said some certainty over Brexit would help firms.

Rob Johnston, the chief executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, also had concerns about business rates: “We’re worried, and this is no exaggeration, that some businesses will be forced to shut as a direct result of the increase in business rates.


Rob Johnston “We’ve heard of increases of up to 300 per cent for livestock auction marts, and of one licensed premises in Carlisle where the rateable value has gone from £20,000 to £120,000.”

He also called for increased spending on transport and for the Government to take a stake in the proposed new nuclear plant at Moorside, near Sellafield.

Stewart Young, the leader of Cumbria County Council, said: “Chris Grayling promised during the Copeland by-election that he would be announcing some improvements to the A595 and I guess the implication was that if they are going to announce some money it would be through the Budget.”

He added that the authority needed more funding for adult social care and schools.