British Chambers of Commerce urges business-centric devolution in upcoming Budget

The British Chambers of Commerce has urged the government to embed businesses at the heart of its devolution agenda in the forthcoming Budget. Director general Shevaun Haviland argued that firms are essential for delivering growth, investment and improved living standards across the United Kingdom. The call arrives just before Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey are set to unveil their autumn Budget amid a challenging economic environment.

A survey commissioned by the chamber of 5,000 companies revealed that only 17% intend to raise investment in the coming months, marking a post-pandemic low. The chamber’s new report recommends that the Budget outline concrete steps to make devolution a growth engine, including giving local authorities a direct share of the benefits of economic expansion before one outlet Parliament ends. Haviland stressed that the success of devolution will be measured by whether it makes it easier for companies to invest, recruit, trade and grow.