CITY VIEWS: HAS GORDON BROWN’S GOVERNMENT BEEN GOOD FOR THE CITY?
DAVID BLANC VESTRA WEALTH
“I don’t think so, because of three key issues: the 50 per cent income tax band, the rules on non-doms, and the government’s position on attacking the bonus culture. Boris Johnson has been far more understanding towards the City.”
LAURA GRAY AVIVA INVESTORS
“It hasn’t been good for the City, but no party would have fared well in the economic crisis. One point is that the 50 per cent income tax band will put off foreign talent from moving to the UK, but I’m not opposed to the policy per se.”
NIGEL KUSHNER WHALE ROCK LEGAL
“I think it fared quite well in the face of uncharted territory over the crisis. But higher tax rates will drive business away and curbing bonuses won’t solve anything – we need to encourage entrepreneurial activity to stimulate the economy.”