Connecting Places

Commenting on the inflation statistics for September 2021, published today by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “While inflation is uncomfortably high,

GDP remains some way off pre-pandemic levels and there are clear indications that the economic headwinds caused by labour shortages and supply chain disruption are beginning to bite.

The focus should be on creating the best possible environment for businesses to grow and thrive so they can sustainably deliver the tax revenue needed to return our public finances to a sustainable path.

Businesses welcome any attempt to blunt the rise in business rates and the prospect of a more fundamental reform of a broken system. Chamber businesses have been calling for reform for years.

The supply chain disruption must not be allowed to worsen over the next few months in the run up to Christmas.

Government must do all it can to safeguard security of supply and ensure that customers and suppliers have access to the support they need to weather this difficult period.

UK business investment is expected to decline this year due to damage to firms’ finances from the pandemic, a more onerous tax regime and concerns over possible future covid restrictions

Businesses strongly oppose a rise in national insurance contributions as it will be a drag anchor on jobs growth at an absolutely crucial time.