Budget: put storm clouds over small firms
Fuel duty rise impacts on business costs
Most small businesses will be adversely affected by Budget increases in the duties on fuel and alcohol, according to a survey carried out by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
The poll of more than 300 firms showed that business owners were highly critical of the Budget. Nearly 80% of small businesses estimated that the 2p rise in fuel duty would adversely impact their business. And 71% estimated it would cost them up to £30 extra a week.
In additon one third said alcohol duty going up by 2p would be damaging, especially when pubs were closing down at the rate of five each day.
Almost 70% of small businesses said the Budget had not supported small businesses. And over a third (38%) said it would
