Tax measures targeted at innovation, hospitality and UK attractiveness

Amanda Tickel, head of tax and trade policy at Deloitte, comments on the Chancellor’s Budget statement: 

“This was a Budget characterised by spending rather than tax, which is not surprising given previously announced tax rises that have resulted in the highest tax burden in decades. The tax announcements were categorised by three key themes – innovation, hospitality and UK attractiveness. 

“In terms of innovation, while the scope of activities that qualify for R&D tax relief is expanding, existing reliefs will be restricted to UK activity which could represent a significant cost to business who have R&D operations across the world. The impact of this should become clearer later in the Autumn as we learn more. 

“Targeted hospitality and culture related announcements show the government’s focus on supporting those businesses worst hit by the pandemic. It’s positive to see measures being extended across the arts industry and to smaller businesses such as craft beer producers. 

“As we emerge from the pandemic and there is more bandwidth to consider the country’s post-Brexit position, there was a notable emphasis on UK attractiveness with a reduction in the bank surcharge, the new scale up visa, changes to tonnage tax and a consultation on corporate relocation to the UK. These kinds of measures align with the government’s wider strategy to attract a diverse portfolio of businesses and talent to the UK. 

“There was a missed opportunity to widely incentivise private investment in green initiatives. While we did see some climate related measures scattered throughout, the government is yet to announce a cohesive strategy on the role of taxation in reaching a more sustainable future, something which will be vital in the years to come.”

Notes to editors

You can follow us on Twitter: 

@DeloitteUK for live comment

Deloitte spokespeople

Deloitte has a range of spokespeople available to comment on today’s Budget. They can be reached on 020 7007 3333 or 0207 303 5054 or one of the following numbers:

• Debapratim De - Senior economist (07789 036 944)

• Amanda Tickel - Head of tax policy (07920 270 964)

• Rachel McEleney - Personal tax (07826 891 752)

• Alison Lobb – Corporate tax (07826 952 940)

• James Warwick - Employment tax (020 7303 6924)

• Andrew Clarke – Indirect tax (07824 895 798)

• Katherine Lampen – Climate change/sustainability (020 7303 6924 / 07920 270 964)

• Gerry Biddle – Business rates (07826 952940)

About Deloitte

In this press release references to “Deloitte” are references to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”) a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms.

Deloitte LLP is a subsidiary of Deloitte NSE LLP, which is a member firm of DTTL, and is among the UK's leading professional services firms.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.

For more information, please visit www.deloitte.co.uk.