BUDGET tax increases to "save" the National Health Service will not bring improvements and could cost jobs, a West Midlands business survey has revealed.

The survey of 8,500 members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in the region, showed that 77 per cent did not believe the NHS would be significantly improved as a result of Budget tax increases.

However, two-thirds of the institute's members though the Budget would damage the economy and 77 per cent thought National Insurance increases would lead to fewer jobs.

The internet survey of ICA members showed only 17 per cent expected the NHS to improve as a result of the Chancellor's extra billions and only 5.5 per cent thought the Budget would make the economy more competitive.