Welcome to the 2021 Autumn Budget Newsletter from Walsh & Co

Chancellor delivers Budget to lay foundation for a strong economy

Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered a Budget to ensure the UK economy bounces back following the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The Chancellor announced that total departmental spending will grow by £150 billion per year in cash terms by 2024/25, marking the largest real term increase in overall departmental spending for any Parliament this century.

Public research and development (R&D) investment will increase to a record level of £20 billion by 2024/25. Combined with R&D tax reliefs, which the government intends to modernise and refocus, total government R&D support as a proportion of GDP is forecasted to increase from 0.7% in 2018 to 1.1% in 2024/25.

In its report prepared for the Budget, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) altered its prediction for economic growth in 2021 to 6.5% – a significant rise when compared to its previous forecast of 4%.

Mr Sunak also announced significant changes to fuel duty and alcohol duties: fuel duty will be frozen at 57.95p per litre for 2022/23, and drinks will be taxed in proportion to their alcohol content, making the system 'fairer and more conducive to product innovation in response to evolving consumer tastes'.

Meanwhile, the government will give £11.5 billion to help build up to 180,000 affordable homes, whilst an additional £4.7 billion will be invested in the core schools budget in England.

The Chancellor also confirmed that the government will increase the National Living Wage to £9.50 per hour from April 2022, and cut the Universal Credit taper rate from 63p to 55p.

Announcing the allocation of the first round of the Levelling Up Fund, the Chancellor committed £1.7 billion of local investment in local areas, whilst the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will provide £2.6 billion to help people get into jobs and get on in life.

Business rates see change in the Budget too: the Chancellor unveiled a new temporary business rates relief in England for 2022/23 for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties, worth almost £1.7 billion. The government stated that the reform of business rates will make the system fairer, more responsive and more supportive of investment.

Additionally, the Chancellor announced that the Scottish government will benefit from a £4.6 billion per year funding boost; the Welsh government stands to benefit from a £2.5 billion per year funding boost; and the Northern Ireland Executive will receive a £1.6 billion per year funding boost.

For a detailed overview of the 2021 Autumn Budget and what the measures mean for you and your business, visit our Budget Report summary.


WHAT THEY SAID

'In a period of global uncertainty, you need to work hard to maintain a strong economy and be responsible with the public finances – and that is what we're doing.'
Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer

'The Chancellor is loading the burden on working people: a national insurance tax rise on working people; a council tax hike on working people; and no support . . . for working people with VAT on their gas and their electricity bills.'
Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

'The Chancellor has shown a genuine willingness to listen to business with measures that will get firms innovating and help the economy to grow.'
Tony Danker, Director General of the Confederation of British Industry

'Additional investment in skills, infrastructure and better access to finance will be key drivers for our economic recovery and will provide longer-term benefits and opportunities for businesses across the country.'
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce

'It's good to see the Chancellor embrace our recommendation for business rates reform: changing the system so it stops hitting small firms that invest to make their premises more sustainable with higher bills.'
Mike Cherry, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses


For the full Budget announcements visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/autumn-budget-and-spending-review-2021


ON OUR WEBSITE

Essential advice for your business
Our concise tips and guides can be an excellent first step and point of reference. Visit the Your Business section of our website today.

Tax and investment advice at your fingertips
For information on a range of personal taxation and investment issues, visit the Your Money section of our site.


IN THE NEWS

2021 Autumn Budget - the economic picture
Within his Budget speech, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the government's intention to create high-wage, high-skilled jobs of the future.
Click here for the full story

2021 Autumn Budget - the political reaction
Addressing the House of Commons, Chancellor Rishi Sunak used the 2021 Autumn Budget to announce new fiscal rules to ensure public finances 'remain on a sustainable path' during the ongoing recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Click here for the full story

2021 Autumn Budget - the business reaction
Business groups have reacted to Chancellor Rishi Sunak's 2021 Autumn Budget speech.
Click here for the full story