Stories

Thu, 29 Oct 2026

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 The South West reacts to Budget announcements

Tourism and business leaders have been reacting to John Healey's first Budget as chancellor.

* Sue Jewell, chair of South East Cornwall Tourism Association: "The budget gave with one hand and took with the other" + Concerned about rising minimum wage leading to job losses
* Dr Harry Pitts, University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus: £100 energy payment a "small thing" to help households in immediate period
* Toby Parkins, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce: VAT cut on electricity bills will benefit around 900 extra businesses in Cornwall
* Helen Wylde-Archibald, Devon Chamber of Commerce: Welcomed stability but wants more support for farming and food industry
* James Kittow, Butcher & Grazier in Cornwall: Felt forgotten with no change to inheritance tax for farmers
* Andrea Drew, Lander Mortgage Services: Concerned about increase in tax for landlords and lack of announcements on new builds