Shropshire businesses give mixed verdict on ‘uneventful’ autumn budget

Summary

The UK autumn budget announced by Chancellor John Healey aimed to give households some “breathing space” but reactions in Shropshire’s business community were split. Small retailers, a zoo, a brewery and local politicians all said the measures were modest and left many concerns unresolved.

Business views

• Harry Delves, Tuffins Supermarket (Craven Arms) – noted that the budget contained no major changes for his store. He is already planning for the national living‑wage rise in April and welcomed the continuation of the 5‑pence fuel‑duty cut, but called the overall package “quite uneventful”.
• Scott Adams, Telford Exotic Zoo – described the budget as “underwhelming”. He said there was nothing that directly helped visitor attractions, though he hopes extra disposable income will encourage more leisure spending. Adams warned that soaring electricity and animal‑feed costs are still squeezing his operation.
• Callum Jinks, financial controller, Joule’s Brewery (Market Drayton) – praised the temporary business‑rates relief for pubs and breweries but argued it falls short of what the sector needs. He called for a VAT review and lower alcohol duties, and warned that many pubs could still close.
• Mark Triggs, Christians Against Poverty – welcomed the food‑tariff relief (estimated to save an average household about £20 a year) but said it is a “little bit here and there” while energy prices remain a major worry, especially for households off the gas grid.

Political commentary

• Labour MP Julia Buckley (Shrewsbury) – called the budget “really positive”, pointing to the National Wealth Fund, Good Growth Fund and council‑tax relief for bands A‑D. She stressed the need to stabilise the economy amid international uncertainty.
• Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan (North Shropshire) – welcomed the business‑rates support but labelled the budget “timid”. She highlighted the need for greater assistance with heating‑oil and LPG costs in rural areas and urged a temporary VAT cut for hospitality.

What remains uncertain

• The impact of the modest tax and rate measures on overall economic growth is still untested.
• Energy‑price relief for non‑gas‑connected households has not been detailed.
• The timeline for any further VAT or alcohol‑duty reforms is unclear.

How to verify

Readers can check the full budget statement on the UK Treasury website and compare the announced figures with local council releases on business‑rates relief. Charities such as Christians Against Poverty publish regular updates on food‑bank demand that can be cross‑referenced with the budget’s food‑tariff provisions.

--- *This article is based on statements made by local business owners and MPs after the UK autumn budget broadcast on 28 October 2024.*