UK Budget 2008 - Business
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Special features
Groups to tender for trials on road pricing
The transport department’s invitation to IT companies to submit contract bids is a signal that it has not surrendered to the motoring lobby over the controversial policy
Brown calls for VAT cut on ‘green’ products
The prime minister’s initiative on goods such as low-energy fridges and dishwashers comes as EU leaders grapple with ways to meet their ambitious climate change targets
Drinks trade furious at excise duty rise
Imposition of inflation-linked increases in excise duty on beer, wine and spirits reverses a trend of falling taxes on these intoxicants since Labour came to power in 1997
Green switch could reshape auto trade
The government’s Budget revamp of tax rules for company cars could influence the shape of the British car industry, says companies and analysts
Investing to cure ‘southern discomfort’
The tax burden and house price inflation in Chatham worry Labour, reminding it of the struggle ahead to retain voters in spite of its Thames Gateway regeneration project
Reprieve for family businesses
Tens of thousands of family businesses have won a temporary reprieve from controversial new anti-avoidance rules. The proposed "incoming shifting" legislation will be delayed by a year, until April 2009, to allow a period of further consultation
Revenue seeks powers for surprise visits
Tax inspectors could turn up unannounced on taxpayers' doorsteps demanding to comb through records under powers planned as part of the ongoing merging of Revenue and Customs
Duty rises fail to end binge fears
Health groups and brewers warn that the 9.1% increase in alcohol taxes will not curb binge drinking unless the government also stops price discounting by supermarkets
Business relieved at lack of damaging initiatives
After months of conflict that plunged relations between New Labour and business to a low, corporate Britain accorded Alistair Darling’s first Budget one cheer for announcing no new initiatives damaging to competitiveness
Treasury looks to reduce N Rock debt to £14bn
Figures show the government is planning to refinance Northern Rock’s loan from the Bank of England this year by issuing more government bonds.
