Speaking after the Chancellor outlined the budget to the House of Commons, Oliver said: “The Budget statement was really a statement of intent mixing agreed Coalition proposals with Conservative Party election promises. Whether much of the Budget package survives beyond 7th May is debatable as it will depend on the political colour or combination of colours in power then.
“Taken at face value, the Budget contained a number of small but welcome pro-business proposals such as the treatment of R&D tax credits for smaller companies and a long overdue review of the business rating system.”
Oliver said the extra support to encourage exports to China was an “interesting initiative”. But the Budget was, he felt, not one that was “intended to address the core CEA policy agenda of the promotion of both construction and manufacturing in the UK.”
He said the key policies in the 121 page Budget statement were aimed at voters, which was understandable given its position in the electoral cycle.
“The policy battle for our sector will be post-election when commitments to medium to long term infrastructure spending will come up against the pressures of political expediency," concluded Oliver.
The Construction Equipment Association (CEA) is the trade association that represents the UK construction equipment sector – and is recognised by HM Government as the voice of the industry.
Membership categories include Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with UK production facilities; Overseas OEMs with UK offices; Component and accessory suppliers; Trade publishers; Specialist service providers; Equipment distributors; and International companies (non-UK based).
