The UK’s new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak must restore confidence in the country’s economy, say business groups.

Mr Sunak will have to deal with a range of issues stemming from inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.

Business groups say he will need to set out plans to deal with soaring energy bills, labour shortages, spiralling inflation, and climbing interest rates.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

‘The new Prime Minister must be a steady hand on the tiller to see the economy through the challenging conditions ahead.

We cannot afford to see any more flip-flopping on policies – the UK’s businesses need a sustainable, long-term economic plan they can believe in.

We need a clear long-term vision of how the new Prime Minister will deal with the challenges ahead and create the business conditions that allow firms, and the communities that rely on them, to thrive.’

The BCC says business need more certainty on the energy support package for businesses and how the system will work from April.

In addition, it says the government must set out a strategy to boost international trade and exports.

Tony Danker, Director-General at the Confederation of British Industry, said:

‘The new Prime Minister can lose no time in easing the impact of market turmoil on households and firms, and helping to restore fiscal credibility.’

Internet links: BCC website CBI website

The rate of inflation rose to 10.1% in September as the economy felt the effects of rising prices and the fallout from the Mini Budget, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The ONS said the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure rose from an annual rate of 9.9% in August to match the recent 40-year high seen in July.

The report showed that the largest upwards contribution came from food costs, while fuel provided the greatest downside pressure. It said the pace of food price rises was at its highest since April 1980 – running at an annual rate of 14.6%.

Commenting on the figures, Martin Sartorious, Principal Economist at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said:

‘Inflation returned to its recent 40-year high and is expected to grow further in October as energy bills rise in line with the government’s Energy Price Guarantee.

‘While the Chancellor’s statement (on 17 October)seems to have restored some fiscal stability, adjustments to the Energy Price Guarantee suggest inflation may yet remain higher for longer.

‘The prospect of household energy bills rising sharply again in April 2023 emphasises the need for the government to set out the details of any future targeted support sooner rather than later, in addition to how the country will establish its longer-term energy security.’

Internet link: ONS website

Almost six in ten UK adults are struggling to keep up with their bills, according to new research from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The research estimates that 7.8 million people were struggling to keep up with their bills – an increase of around 2.5 million people since 2020.

In addition, 60% of UK adults are estimated to be finding it a ‘heavy burden’ or ‘somewhat of a burden’ keeping up with bills.

One in four UK adults has said they were in financial difficulty or could find themselves in difficulty if they suffered a financial shock.

Some 4.2 million people have missed bills or loan payments in the six months before the survey took place.

Sheldon Mills, Executive Director of Consumer and Competition at the FCA, said:

‘Our research shows that people up and down the country are struggling to keep up with their bills.

‘If you are facing financial difficulty, you don’t need to struggle alone. There is free debt advice available, and we have told firms that they must work with their customers to solve any problems with payment.’

Internet link: FCA website

A survey conducted by the Institute of Directors (IoD) has found that 42% of UK businesses that trade internationally expect to see an increase in their exports over the coming year.

The survey also revealed that 47% of businesses are still finding Brexit challenging, and just 33% envisage opportunities materialising as a result of Brexit.

Additionally, 28% of firms reported that supply chain disruption has had a negative impact on their business, and 12% have an exportable product but are not currently exporting.

Commenting on the findings, Emma Rowland, Policy Adviser for Trade at the IoD, said:

‘There is no doubt that smaller businesses in particular are finding the current international trading environment challenging. Importers and exporters feel especially constricted by the UK’s new trading relationship with the EU.

‘It is therefore encouraging that, in spite of these barriers, businesses are anticipating an increase in exports over the coming months. There are opportunities that give traders reason to be optimistic.’

Internet link: IoD website

HMRC has reminded taxpayers that they are now less than 100 days until the deadline for self assessment online return submission.

Self assessment taxpayers have until 31 January 2023 to submit their online return for the 2021/22 tax year.

According to HMRC, more than 66,000 taxpayers beat the clock and filed their tax return on 6 April – the first day of the new tax year.

HMRC is now encouraging others to complete their return as soon as they can so they know what they owe and can budget to make the payment by 31 January 2023. This also means that if a repayment is due, it can be claimed back sooner.

Last year, more than 95% of taxpayers filed online and those who submit their returns early still have until 31 January 2023 to pay.

Speaking on 24 October, Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

‘With 100 days to go until the online deadline, there’s still time to complete your tax return, to budget and look into the range of payment options if you need to.’

Internet link: HMRC press release