Surrey business owner frustrated over Budget

Steve Hamilton, owner of Hamilton's Tea Room
Image caption,

Steve Hamilton is the owner of Hamilton's Tea House in Farnham

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A business owner from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Surrey constituency has spoken out over how the Budget will affect his livelihood.

Mr Hunt, whose constituency is South West Surrey, confirmed a devolution deal for Surrey, giving the county council more decision-making powers over transport, adult education and support for businesses.

His Budget cut National Insurance contributions by 2p, increased the threshold for child benefit and ended “non-dom” tax status, changing the tax system for those whose permanent home is outside the UK.

But one Surrey tea room owner said it was “disappointing and frustrating” that there wasn’t more for small businesses like his.

BBC Radio Surrey visited Hamilton’s Tea House, in Downing Street, Farnham, and spoke to owner Steve Hamilton.

He said the hospitality industry was bracing for a “bump in the road” in April with a minimum wage increase and a business rate rebate ending, added to increased costs of food and other items.

Mr Hamilton said he had hoped for a VAT reduction and continuation of the business rate rebate, giving eligible businesses a reduction on rates they pay on premises.

He added: “With those not happening it was almost a nothing budget, it did nothing for us.

Image caption,

Farnham has its very own Downing Street

“It did very little if anything at all for small and medium enterprise business across the county and the town.

“It felt very flat. It felt like we were the forgotten masses and it’s been disappointing and frustrating.”

The Treasury said an extension of the Growth Guarantee Fund would help 11,000 small businesses and more would be taken out of paying VAT by an increase in the registration threshold.

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Guildford resident Simon Usherwood is an Open University professor of politics and international studies.

He said the chancellor did not have many options in delivering the budget.

Prof Usherwood added: “[The budget] speaks to the difficult economic situation that he faces and the difficulty the Conservatives have in this long run-up to a general election.”

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