Income tax relief, lower fuel duty and greater support with the cost of tools and equipment are among tradespeople’s top priorities ahead of the Autumn Budget, new research has revealed.

More than a third of tradespeople (38%) want the Government to introduce income tax relief or allowances; 36% are calling for lower fuel duty or support with transport costs, and 35% want increased tax relief on tools, equipment and vehicles to help them run their businesses more cost-effectively.

Tradespeople also want lower National Insurance contributions (27%); simpler tax rules (27%); grants or tax relief for upskilling and qualifications (18%); and better support with interest rates, borrowing, or access to finance (17%).

Almost a third (30%) of tradespeople added that the Government could provide greater financial support during periods of illness or injury. The figures come from specialist construction insurance provider Tradesman Saver, as part of a new report on how rising costs are impacting trade businesses.

Ged Walsh, founder of Southern Cross Plumbing and Heating in Manchester, commented on the research and said: “A lack of government support on things like tax and fuel is definitely affecting how I run my business.

“If there was relief on fuel and income tax announced in the Budget, it would make a massive difference to people like me. I’d have more money in my pocket to put back into the business, meaning I can look ahead to the future. If nothing changes – not just for tradespeople but for homeowners too – then the industry could come to a standstill.”

The findings come as tradespeople face rising costs across both their businesses and households. The research found fuel and transport costs were the biggest financial pressure, affecting 45%, followed by household inflation (39%) and energy bills (34%).

The cost of tools and equipment is a concern for almost a third (29%); just over a quarter (26%) said income tax; and a fifth (20%) said they’re being affected by late or missed customer payments.

Dean Laming, Managing Director at Tradesman Saver, said: “Tradespeople are sending a clear message to the Government ahead of the Budget. Rising costs are putting significant pressure on their businesses, and they need meaningful financial support that goes beyond simply helping them make ends meet.

“The Chancellor has an opportunity to listen and respond with practical measures that ease these pressures and give tradespeople greater confidence in their futures. Supporting the sector isn’t just about helping individual businesses. It’s about enabling them to invest, grow and make an even greater contribution to the UK economy.”

Nicola De Sousa, Central Director for the Federation of Master Builders, which supported Tradesman Saver’s report, said: “It’s easy to see why tradespeople are asking for help with the fundamental costs of running a building business.

“Government needs to remember how small most businesses in construction actually are. Many tradespeople are sole traders or run micro businesses, so every extra cost and pressure on the business falls to one person who is trying to juggle the work, find the next job and keep the business going.

“The Federation of Master Builders’ Budget submission looks at some of the wider conditions small businesses in the sector need in order to survive and grow, including better access to finance, VAT reform around home improvement and energy-efficiency work, and more financial support for small firms taking on apprentices.”

Download the report, The Cost of the Trades, here.