By Nick Hyde, Policy Manager
The first 100 days of a new government is meant to convey a new hope, ambitious plans and encourage growth in the economy.
It hasn’t quite worked out like that this time.
Scrapping the winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, the hike in national insurance payments and new inheritance tax rules which could put farming generations at risk have not gone down well with industry.
Then there’s the Employment Rights Bill which promises to shake up HR departments across the county and consultations on the much-lauded Industrial Strategy.
One thing the government has failed to do – according to many Chamber members – is listen to the voice of business.
As the wealth providers, businesses no matter what their size, should be front and centre of the decision-making process, not left to pick up the pieces and put growth and investment plans on hold.
The NI hike means many businesses are having to halt their recruitment plans with some having to consider making changes in the workforce.
On the flip-side, there is also the argument that can a government be judged having only been in office for a few months?
Whatever side of the fence you sit on the end of 2024 has thrown a lot of doom and gloom on the economy, with GDP and inflation on the rise and Whitehall plans throwing businesses into confusion.
Read about the thoughts and hopes of our members in the pages of The Voice.
And it comes full circle from how this column started. Hope.
For all policy enquiries, contact nickh@lancschamber.co.uk
Image: ©House of Commons
