MORE than 500 business people have registered to attend one of a series of budget briefings to be presented by leading chartered accountants Francis Clark at seven events across the region.

Steve Collins, head of tax at Francis Clark believes interest is high because this Budget comes after the Coalition Government has been in power for almost a year and the full extent of the public spending cuts have not been made totally apparent.

He said: 'Since the emergency budget in June 2010, we have witnessed a slow, but steady post-recession recovery which has featured some of the most stringent public spending cuts seen in a lifetime, proposed huge changes to the benefits system and the rate of VAT rise to an unprecedented 20%.

'However, the economy contracted in Q4 2010 — therefore will George Osborne have some new revenue raising measures?  What will be his next target in the difficult task of reducing the budget deficit?

'The business community is caught in between applauding George Osborne's efforts to reduce the national debt and the possible impact that diminishing public services, rising unemployment and possible tax increases may have on their businesses.'

Anyone interested in attending the Francis Clark Budget Briefings taking place in Tavistock on the evening of Wednesday, March 23, should contact Mary Hooper on 01803 320100 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]