; business rates, VAT and stamp duty reductions extended; contactless limit more than doubles
It's very hard to argue that an extra £300m in support for the arts - which will top up the culture recovery fund - is a bad thing.The £1.57bn fund launched last year undoubtedly saved many venues, museums and galleries from permanent closure. There will also be disappointment across the sector that the chancellor didn't announce a government-backed COVID cancellation insurance scheme, which could have significantly helped the events sector this summer.Jeremy Corbyn leads the Labour left's onslaught on the budget. He attacks the fire-and-rehire policies of companies like British Gas and British Airways and accuses the chancellor of freezing the pay of public sector workers.
It said there had been a 10% to 15% reduction in heavy goods vehicle traffic around Dover in the second half of January compared to a year earlier, although official figures are not set to be released until next week. "We needed a plan today which was ambitious for the small businesses which are the heart of our local communities and set us on the road towards a strong and green economy of the future."On Twitter, its chairman Mike Cherry writes:"Today's budget will help many small firms with their final push through to September, but there is little here to aid job creation or help people return to work.
"It is imperative that the Government allows pubs to operate without restrictions as planned from 21st June. This will give them the best chance to get back on their feet and serve their communities," she continues. "Overall, this is a good Budget for pubs and breweries in the short term, reflecting just how vital they are to the social, cultural and economic fabric of our communities," she continues
And Greg Parmley, CEO of Live, the UK's official industry body for live music, is also calling for such a scheme to support festivals. After the glitzy public relations blitz of the past week - a polished video, a chat with Gordon Ramsey, another with the Queen and slick photos, including one in his car on his way to parliament - he has made Gordon Brown's long campaign to succeed Tony Blair as prime minister look amateurish and half-hearted in comparison.On the subject of former advisors, this is from a ex-special advisor to current health secretary Matt Hancock.
McrCladiators ukcag MelissaLawford EOCS_Official Conservatives this is nowhere near enough - barely scratches the surface and leaves everybody else to rot and go bankrupt
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