Autumn Statement: Berkshire's small businesses say 'they are forgotten'

Ms Howe said: "A reduction in taxes just helps everyone"

Small businesses in Berkshire say the feel "forgotten about again" after the Autumn Statement.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced cuts to National Insurance by two percent and gives business £10bn tax break.

But firms in Berkshire say the changes are "not enough help or support financially".

UK tax levels are at their highest level since records began 70 years ago, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said.

Ann Howe, owner of The Clothes Shop in Newbury said: "We are struggling desperately to keep going."

She runs the boutique on Pound Street with her daughter Debra.

Ms Howe said: "If customers have more money in their pockets obviously they'll be able to spend more, because I think the small shops on the high street at the moment are struggling desperately."

Ms Howe said trade has become increasingly dormant over the last two months.

"It's as if someone has closed both ends of the street. The current cost-of-living crisis means no one comes down here anymore."

She added that cuts to national insurance announced today "will help" but energy costs and business rates are major concerns, as they have to be paid regardless of how many customers the shop has.

Her daughter Debra Howe added: "Any help is good, but today's statement I don't think will really help us in the future.

"As a small business, we don't earn enough for the budget to really make a difference and therefore we are simply forgotten about again by the government."

Andy Rodgers, owner of the Redan said: "I've lost faith in the government"

Owner of Bar Redan in Wokingham, Andy Rodgers had been hoping for a cut in VAT and was worried that an increase in the minimum wage could cost his business an extra £25,000.

After hearing the Chancellor's Autumn Statement Mr Rodgers said: "It was not a surprising budget, and to be honest the business rate extension for another year is only a short-term gain.

"For me as a small business I've lost faith in the government, we are not heard."

Mr Cowan, a private landlord in Berkshire said: "I'd like to see them do something about mortgage relief"

Richard Cowan is a private landlord he said the Chancellor could make "life a little easier for the landlord by doing something with the mortgage tax relief - to keep making houses available to rent."

Mr Cowan said: " They are making life for the landlord almost impossible.

"They're giving more rights away to the tenant which means having the property isn't as advantageous as it was in the past.

"As a private landlord the Autumn Statement completely ignored me, I heard nothing about mortgage tax relief.

"I personally feel that it was of no help."