A survey from the Centre for Policy Studies ahead of the Autumn Budget has found that 60 percent of UK small business owners believe the government is “not on their side.”
The study found that the majority of firms have seen tax and compliance requirements increase since Labour were elected, making everyday business more complex.
“The poll of 500 people who run small and medium-sized companies across the UK also found that energy costs were their most pressing concern, followed by business rates and employment costs,” reported Propel.
“The Federation of Small Businesses has called for an extension of business rates reliefs for small companies, saying that help with the commercial property tax would help companies ‘recruit, invest and grow.’”
Though chancellor John Healey has promised to deliver a Budget for working people, the CPS reported “widespread concern” that higher taxes would do further damage to SMEs.
Originally published on Coinslot on October 26, 2026. Republished with permission.