26 January 2017

January 2017 - Lobbying update from Carys Davis - BPIF Public Affairs Consultant

Although Parliament is quiet during the few weeks over Christmas (aside from the Parliament Choir's annual Carol Service!), it tends to quickly get back into the swing of things in January. When it comes to the work of those who lobby Parliament, the early deadline for Budget submissions is a key focus at this time. 

2017 Spring Budget

Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has been keen to make an impact following the long tenure of his predecessor, George Osborne. During the 2016 Autumn Statement, we had an announcement that in future the Autumn Statement would become an Autumn Budget, and the Spring Budget would become a Spring Statement (with no significant changes to tax, duty and so on). Confusing, but the key message is that the fiscal calendar will from now on be simpler - a big Budget event taking place once a year. So for 2017 we have two Budgets to respond to, and the BPIF's submission to the Spring Budget was submitted on 20th January, with the Budget expected on 8th March. 

Read more on the BPIF Spring Budget submission to Government 2017 

Brexit and Priorities for Print

Since the last lobbying update, I've attended almost all of the BPIF's Regional Board meetings to hear from your regional representatives what you think the BPIF's lobbying priorities for 2017 onwards should be. It's clear that the perception of the industry as non-environmentally friendly, supply costs, business rates in London, late payments, funding for capital investment, EU workers and many more issues are all high on the agenda. 

In additional to regional, face-to-face consultation, a recent Printing Outlook has also asked you how you're now feeling about the impact of the Brexit vote on business. A further survey in February will give you the opportunity to tell us more specifically what you think the Government needs to do to support the growth of the industry. 
Bringing all this feedback together, and via the Government and Industry Committee, a new Priorities for Print document will be launched in the spring.