CaSE - Budget 2007 wishlist

Friday, 16, Mar 2007 12:00

For the past few years, one of the things that the science community was sure would go well was the increase in funding for research, but the recent announcement of cuts to the science budget has sent a very negative signal. Gordon Brown could do much for the Government’s credibility with the science and engineering community by reversing the decision.

Crucially, the Budget needs to take action on last year’s announcement that the Government wants to address to the desperate shortage of qualified science teachers. Although the Chancellor has made it clear he understands the issue, he has not yet put in place the measures needed to improve the situation – such as paying physics teachers more to attract and retain good physics graduates into the profession.

In order to achieve his aim of making the UK the country of choice for science-based industry, Gordon Brown needs to look carefully about the rates of tax they pay. Tax credits for research and development are important, but the overall level of regulation and the costs of doing research and innovation are going up. Also, he needs to put in place real changes to the way Government procurement works; it buys billions of pounds worth of stuff every year, and unlike other countries, it does little to ensure that this money is supporting the small high-technology businesses that have the potential to be a major part of Britain’s future economic success.