Tony Porter Ponders: the impact of the Government's Budget on businesses

Last week we had the first, maybe last, Healey-Burnham Budget, and what were the standout changes, out of the, reportedly, over 100?

First up business rates.

On HM Treasury’s website, they said: “The Government is increasing the Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) eligibility thresholds for qualifying retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England from April 1, 2027. The threshold for 100 per cent relief will increase to a rateable value of £18,000, and the threshold for tapered relief will increase to a rateable value of £21,000.”

Now many, possibly including myself, may feel the benefit of this, but it is totally offset by the other main newsworthy change and that is that from April 1, workers over 21 on the National Living Wage will be paid £13.21p per hour, up 50p from £12.71. Eighteen to 20-year-olds will rise to £11.27 an hour, up from £10.85.

For someone working full-time, that means an increase of £760 to their gross annual earnings.

Sounds great, but it is not.

The Government is basically, again, punishing employers by giving them another cost that they might not get from their current income.

So, if a baker, hospitality or a shop, they have to find another £760 for all full-time employees, so that can only mean raising prices, that increases inflation and we are back to where we started.

Okay, the reduction on very small businesses on business rates is welcome.

Larger (medium) companies may not benefit from that but still have to stump up more money for wages.

Again, those striving to do the right thing, building a business, creating real jobs and therefore tax revenue, are being shafted.

Why bother? Let’s all quit our jobs, shut our businesses and claim benefits.

At this moment in time, it feels like Burnham and co are actively destroying everything we are trying to build.

We all want a greater Britain, we want it to be great again, but this Government seems hell bent on destroying everything we stand for.

Did you vote for this in Makerfield? Do you feel duped?

Brexit reversal is coming, against a legitimate vote, one of the largest in UK history.

Europe is burning and this sad bunch of “leaders” want to chuck us back into it.

I am beyond annoyed, most I speak to in my shop are too.

People I know who run businesses and employ people are thinking of jacking it all in.

We need change, Labour has failed, the Tories failed, Reform UK terrify me, but who can we find to do the right thing?

Not the puppet masters that many think are in control, behind the scenes, of all our major parties.

You need to open your eyes, mine are already open, see what is happening and do something before everything our forefathers fought for is obliterated.

Not for us, but for our children, grandchildren and beyond.

On a lighter note, and a huge change of subject, STACK seems to be hurtling towards its planned opening later this month.

Finally Wigan will have a huge street food and entertainment destination fit for a town our size.

Even Millgate car park is having a bit of a facelift ready for this seismic event.

Next is Funparx!