Business and tourism leaders in Devon and Cornwall have expressed mixed reactions to Chancellor John Healey's first Budget. Key measures include a £100 energy payment for households, a VAT cut on electricity bills, and an increase in the business rates threshold, which is expected to benefit around 900 businesses in Cornwall.
While some welcomed the stability and lack of broad tax increases, concerns were raised about insufficient support for the farming sector and the impact of increased taxes on landlords, which could exacerbate housing shortages.