LEADING Southend businessman Philip Miller MBE has dismissed the statement as the “same old story” and has led calls for greater business input in the Budget.

Mr Miller, whose business empire includes Adventure Island and Sea-Life Adventure, both on the seafront, says that the performance of Mr Hammond’s predecessors proves a need for politics to be “taken out of Budget-making”.

He said: “It’s the same old story really, and just as businessmen do not make good politicians, politicians do not make good businessmen.

“It’s about time we took politics out of the Budget. I would contend that many politicians, their Special Advisors and the civil servants working in the Treasury, who decide each successive Budget, do not have any business experience. Employing financial experts works for the Bank of England, so why do we let politicians determine the Budget and direction of our economy?

“Looking at how previous chancellors fared - Gordon Brown took us to the verge of bankruptcy and George Osborne was often out of his depth - it was painful.

“British businesses need greater protection from the vagaries of politicians and the Government needs to make tax simpler for people, as hardworking business owners do not have the time to get their heads around increasingly complicated systems.”

Essex Chambers of Commerce has welcomed short-term support for businesses facing business rate hikes, but believes more could be done.

David Burch, Director of Policy, welcomed Mr Hammond’s announcement but called for a review on the tax system, amid fears it is “outdated”.

He said: “We had been expecting minimal change in the Chancellor’s announcements and this proved to be the case.

“We welcome the short-term support for businesses hardest hit by business rates increases but were disappointed that the Chancellor appeared to rule out a proper review of the existing system to look at developing a tax that is fit for the 21st century and fair to businesses.

“Currently, 55 per cent of business rates collected in Essex going back to HM Treasury and we want to see that figure not only reduced but used for the benefit of those businesses paying them.”

Mr Burch continued: “While we understand the need to try and create a fair tax system, hikes to dividend taxes and national insurance for the self-employed will be viewed far less positively by existing and budding entrepreneurs”.

David Finch, leader of Essex County Council, backed adult social care pledges and new measures which will boost the county’s economy.

He said: “We’ve lobbied hard for social care reform over the years, so it’s heartening that the Government has listened.

“This will then allow councils and the NHS to plan for the long-term and shift the focus of our spending to preventative measures, which will reduce the need for long term care and ensure we are equipped to look after our most vulnerable people.

“Essex businesses will benefit from the measures to soften the burden of rate reform for small businesses and extra help for our pubs, which are the lifeblood of so many communities.

“T levels, sitting alongside A levels, will help us to ensure our school leavers have the skills our businesses need to thrive.”

“All of this will help Essex attract, retain and grow the businesses that will help the county become the fastest growing economy outside of London.”