BVCA: Proposed tax changes will make UK ‘anti-competitive’

The UK's plan to raise taxes for the highest earners may cause investors to seek more favourable tax climates, such as Switzerland, Ireland and the Middle East, says BVCA chief executive Simon Walker. The UK's plans would see the highest earners pay almost 60 percent of their income in taxes.

The British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) has criticised the UK government’s pre-budget report as providing a “disincentive for international investors to base their businesses in Britain”.

Simon Walker

In yesterday’s pre-budget report, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling announced his intention to increase both national insurance contributions and the top rate of income tax after 2011. The result would be a combined tax take of almost 60 percent on the highest earners.

“With the financial services sector in virtual meltdown, international competitiveness is more important than ever,” said Simon Walker, chief executive of the BVCA, in a statement.

International competitiveness is more important than ever

Simon Walker

He added: “This will inevitably provide a disincentive for international investors to base their businesses in Britain.  The UK’s increased tax complexity and waning competitiveness will rebound to the benefit of the UK’s rivals, like Switzerland, Ireland and, increasingly, the Middle East.”

Other aspects of the Chancellor’s report, which included measures to support small- and medium-sized businesses and no changes to interest deductibility, were welcomed by the association.