Commenting on today’s budget, Miles Celic OBE, Chief Executive Officer, TheCityUK said,
“It was positive and reassuring to hear the Chancellor explicitly recognise the contribution financial and related professional services make to jobs, investment and growth across the UK.
“We asked for a ‘do no harm’ Budget. He hasn’t quite met that test given the surcharge increase which will hit the UK’s attractiveness against our main competitors. As such, the Chancellor must honour his commitment to remove it after 15 months.
“Not removing stamp duty on UK equities was a missed opportunity. And any changes to ISAs must ultimately drive more investment into UK growth companies.
“There is more to welcome on defence, resilience and devolution. Our industry has the capital, expertise and skills to help turn those ambitions into investment and growth across the country.
Financial and related professional services are a strategic national asset supporting growth across every region and nation. We look forward to working in partnership with the government to turn these ambitions into delivery.”
