Certainty and stability are at the top of the Budget wish list from business, according to an EY survey.

Almost 80 per cent of companies said the factors should be key drivers of the Chancellor’s tax policy choices.

The survey of 143 business decision-makers showed that while the Government’s changes to the corporate tax system are having a positive impact on the UK’s competitiveness, it risks being undermined by political and legislative uncertainty.

Chancellor George Osborne will make his Budget statement today.

Tim West, tax partner at EY in Yorkshire, said: “Clearly, some of these factors are outside of the Government’s control or are necessary to the development of a tax system that is fit for purpose. But it should nevertheless come as a warning to the Chancellor, and a plea to avoid causing any unnecessary uncertainty, which may hamper investment intentions.

“Businesses want to be able to take informed decisions and limit the risks that they have to bear; they are asking for a boring Budget on corporate tax.”