In response to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement delivered to the House of Commons today (6 December, 2013), Gary Woodman (Executive Director of Worcestershire LEP) says:
“We welcome the announcement made by the Chancellor in relation to a cap of 2% on Business Rates. The new ‘Reoccupation Relief’ will, we hope, also encourage greater occupancy rates in High Streets across the county. We are hopeful that these measures will reduce the cost burden on businesses, encouraging growth and securing jobs.
“We were also heartened by the Chancellor’s commitment to creating another 20,000 Apprenticeships over the next two years. This will enable more young people to make those first steps on their career paths, thus ensuring that businesses have the skills that they need for future growth.
“Finally, we were pleased to note that plans to increase fuel duty this autumn have been scrapped, which is really good news for Worcestershire businesses – and, of course, thousands of commuters.”