HEALEY VOWS TO BACK BUSINESSES – New Chancellor promises to cut business costs and boost confidence across the UK economy
Chancellor John Healey has pledged to restore confidence in the British economy, promising to support businesses and reduce the cost of doing business across the country.
Speaking to business leaders in London, Mr Healey said firms had faced many of the same pressures as households, including rising energy, labour and supply chain costs. He vowed to tackle what he described as growing economic pessimism and said businesses would have a strong partner in the Treasury.
The Chancellor’s comments came after Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20 per cent cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from next April.
Mr Healey also outlined his priorities for the Treasury, including maintaining fiscal discipline, delivering economic growth across every region of the UK, encouraging investment in British businesses, and reducing both the cost of living and the cost of doing business.
Mr Healey was appointed Chancellor earlier this week by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, following the formation of the new Labour government.
