In her speech to the House of Commons, Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out a bold vision of “national renewal”, promising an annual 2.3% real-terms growth in departmental budgets and committing billions to healthcare, housing, defence, and infrastructure. While Dorset is set to benefit from parts of this agenda – including funding for Hospital and academy improvements – the county’s business community remains cautious, waiting to see where this support will land locally.
Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling has shared his candid response to the Spending Review: ‘Although there were measures in the Chancellor’s spending review to be welcomed, concerns from business remain strong. Dorset was once again notable by its absence in major spending announcements.
‘However, there may be opportunities once the small print is examined, in such areas as AI, innovation, research and development funding, transport infrastructure, rail, and training and upskilling young people.
‘It is particularly important that many of the world class defence firms we have in Dorset benefit from the spending uplift in this sector.
“… While she may have splashed the cash today, she must not rinse businesses for it tomorrow.’
Ian Girling
‘It was good to see the Chancellor prioritise affordable housing, as shortages of housing stock and high property prices continue to be a major barrier to economic development in Dorset. We must be able to attract people to this area to support business growth.
‘Dorset Chamber will continue to lobby for business to fight for the county’s fair share and will do all it can to support our politicians, leaders and other representatives in this endeavour too.
‘Finally, Dorset businesses have consistently demonstrated their positivity, resilience and strength over recent years – but many will be concerned about what is coming down the tracks in the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget.
‘There must be no more taxes on business faced with ever increasing costs, a difficult labour market and burdensome red tape if the Chancellor is to achieve the growth she so desperately needs.
‘While she may have splashed the cash today, she must not rinse businesses for it tomorrow.’
