Chancellor bumps up van operator costs

THERE'S been a lot of hot air about the Chancellor's Pre-Budget Report. OK, electric van incentives are nice – but the appeal is limited. And they hardly offset the various kicks in the teeth for small businesses – like a return to 17.5% VAT, higher National Insurance, and another impending rise in fuel duty. Once again small business cops it, while the bailed-out banks get away with murder. And right now, the banks are stifling many businesses because they just won't lend money for capital purchases – like new vans. The banks need reminding just whose money it was that bailed them out. Now we need it back – so we can keep our businesses on the road. Trouble is, who's going to crack the whip? Brown and Darling look like they've run out of ideas – but I'm not convinced Cameron and Osborne have any more of a clue. And I suspect it'll not get any better until after the election. Roll on next May.

Mark Bursa - editor

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