CBI publishes Budget wishlist

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has published its wishlist ahead of the 2020 Budget, which will be delivered on Wednesday 11 March.

In its wishlist, the business group has called for the government to use the Budget to launch a comprehensive review into the UK’s business rates system. The CBI also urged the government to carry out a review of the current Apprenticeship Levy, which it believes is ‘holding back skills investment and adding costs’ for businesses.

Additionally, the CBI has called for an increase in the R&D tax credit to ‘spur investment and launch a consultation into widening its scope’.

‘At the start of this new decade, firms are feeling more optimistic and want to invest,’ said Carolyn Fairbairn, Director General of the CBI.

‘Backed by a pro-enterprise Budget for skills, infrastructure and innovation, business can help kickstart a new decade of growth and job creation.

‘And it is investment that will enable all regions of the UK to share in rising prosperity. It will put the UK on track to lead the world in innovation, clean growth and the industries of the future, from AI and robotics to agri-tech and life sciences.’