Poll reveals discontent over Budget

In a survey of its members, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) found that five per cent believe Alistair Darling’s proposals will create an environment for their businesses to develop.

Similarly, 87 per cent said that the chancellor’s measures will not increase business and consumer confidence.

More than two thirds of respondents said that they expected a more realistic budget to be delivered after the general election. When asked how they rated the budget overall, 10 per cent of FPB members described it as ‘good’ or ‘very good’, with 52 per cent branding it ‘average’ and 38 per cent describing it as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.

Reflecting widespread anger at the planned hike in National Insurance rates, the FPB’s survey also found that 45 per cent of respondents believed the Budget had a negative impact on employment.

However, some aspects of Darling’s announcement did prove popular.

Just less than nine per cent of those surveyed said they believed the Budget was designed to encourage short-term recovery. Around 19 per cent said that the chancellor’s measures would have a positive impact on both cashflow support and business investment.