FCSA has called today’s Budget a mixed bag for members and the freelance community it supports.
Commenting on some of the detail that affects members, freelancers and contractors, Julia Kermode, CEO of FCSA said: “The Chancellor claimed to be delivering a budget for hardworking people but to some extent is penalising some of those workers by clamping down on dividends that directors of their own limited companies can draw down. However, we welcome the news that corporation tax is being reduced which will help our members, the personal service companies that they support, and their businesses to grow.
“Last week I was pleased to see that entrepreneur Julie Deane of the Cambridge Satchel Company has been tasked with reviewing self-employment which suggests the Government is keen to highlight the contribution the self-employed make to the UK economy and consider how they can be better supported and we welcome that move. Any efforts to better understand and serve this important group of workers is a good initiative because Government seems confused by this growing community as many of its policies conflict with each other.
“We noted that IR35 was again mentioned and we watch any review with interest and expect to play an active role in any future dialogue.
“We also welcome the Chancellor’s commitment to invest in HMRC staff and its capacity to deal with any avoidance, evasion and tax loopholes. FCSA and its members are committed to stamping out any bad practice and upholding high standards at all times.
“As expected the Travel and Subsistence Consultation has also been published today and it is broadly as we expected; we will be responding to it in due course.
“I am also pleased to see the commitment to increasing business confidence and driving up employment – for example the potential for longer Sunday opening hours should help create more jobs and opportunities.”