Members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) could support UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s plans to channel more investment into towns, infrastructure and local economies, but are urging him not to repeat the tax mistakes they say damaged business confidence under the previous government.
That is according to a new ICAEW poll of 875 members conducted between 6 July and 10 July 2026, which found that business taxation is seen as the most urgent issue for the new administration.
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Nearly 57% of the respondents said easing the tax burden on businesses should be Burnham’s top priority on taking office.
Members said repeated changes to the tax system in recent years had created uncertainty for companies and weakened willingness to invest.
They also cited last year’s increase in employer National Insurance contributions, which some described as “crippling” for small businesses. Respondents said the rise constrained hiring, investment and expansion.
Regulation ranked as another key concern. Nearly 43% said reducing the regulatory burden should be a priority in the prime minister’s first 100 days, with members arguing that compliance has become too costly, complex and time-consuming, especially for smaller businesses.
Despite those concerns, the survey pointed to support for parts of Burnham’s expected policy platform.
When asked which proposals would have a positive impact on their organisation, 40% selected the regeneration of towns, infrastructure and local economies.
That included support for ‘good growth funds’, which are intended to bring together public and private investment.
Skills and employment also featured prominently.
More than a third of respondents (37%) said skills and workforce development should be among the government’s main priorities. Members were particularly vocal about moving those not in education, employment or training into work.
A further 36% said incentives for business investment should be prioritised, while 33% identified tax complexity as a major issue, reinforcing concern about the wider tax system.
The poll also found support for reform to business rates and education.
Around 32% said business rates reform should be a priority, while 30% backed changes aimed at giving academic and technical education equal standing.
Support for deeper devolution was more limited. Only 14% of respondents said further devolution would have a positive impact on their organisation, suggesting Burnham may need to make a stronger case if he wants to extend local powers.
The regional split was clear. Among respondents in the north, 24% said devolution would benefit their organisation. That compared with 8% of those in the south.
While respondents highlighted possible gains from devolution, including improved infrastructure, more tailored skills policy and more targeted local investment, many remained unconvinced about local policymakers’ ability to deliver.
ICAEW CEO Alan Vallance said: “These findings give Andy Burnham a direction of travel for his first weeks in Downing Street. Our members are clear that government must not repeat the tax and regulatory mistakes that have damaged confidence, investment and growth in recent years.
“The choices of previous administrations have left businesses facing burdens that stifle growth, diminish confidence and discourage investment. If the new government is serious about growth, it must create the conditions for businesses to invest, hire and expand.”
