Chancellor Gordon Brown’s upbeat pre-budget report has been welcomed by sections of the timber industry.
A freeze on fuel duties, a review of small business policy and optimistic economic predictions represent good news according to the Timber Trade Federation (TTF), UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) and British Woodworking Federation (BWF).
TTF head of public affairs Mark O’Brien said: “The TTF welcomes the government’s review of small business policy, including the simplification of small business taxation, backs the additional support for skills and training and welcomes the additional £20m to be spent on energy efficiency research which can only be good news for timber.”
UKTFA chief executive Bryan Woodley said: “The most important thing for us in the timber frame sector is that the economy is continuing to grow at 3.25%.
“If that continues, along with the government’s commitment to affordable housing, there is no reason the housing market should not pick up nicely in the new year even with interest rates on the rise.”
He also praised the freeze in fuel duty and help for training unskilled workers.
Welcoming the fuel duty freeze, BWF director Richard Lambert said: “It’s good for businesses because they do not have to suck in another cost. People are actually feeling the pinch with increased fuel prices.”
But Mr Lambert said extending parental leave could cause difficulties for very small businesses. The chancellor wants to extend paid maternity leave to nine months from 2007 and give mothers the option of transferring paid leave to fathers.
