The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Tories promise business rate cuts
The prime minister will tell business leaders the Tories will put an end to Brexit “uncertainty and confusion” if they are returned to power on December 12.
Boris Johnson made the pledge as he unveiled tax cuts his party said are designed to help companies “make the most of Brexit”.
A Tory government would cut business rates, launching a fundamental review at their first Budget, under the plans.
The party said it will increase the employment allowance from £3,000 to £4,000, providing a tax cut of up to £1,000 for more than half a million businesses.
The R&D tax credit rate will increase from 12% to 13%, which the
Conservatives say will boost manufacturing and the professional, scientific and technical services sectors in particular.
They have also promised to increase the structures and buildings allowance (SBA) from 2% to 3% to increase the tax relief on the purchase, building or leasing of a structure.
In a speech to business leaders at the Confederation of British Industry annual conference today, Mr Johnson is expected to say: “Let’s not beat around the bush, big business didn’t want Brexit.
“You made that clear in 2016 and this body said it louder than any other.
“But what is also clear is that what you want now – and have wanted for some time – is certainty.
“So that you can plan and invest, so you can grow and expand, so that you can create jobs and drive prosperity.”
He is expected to add: “Whilst you didn’t want it, the people did vote for it. And so it was for politicians to deliver it.
“It has been politicians in a broken Parliament – not you – that have failed in this and in some cases actively tried to sabotage the democratic will of the people.
“This is why we had to have this election.”