08/12/2005

Interest rates rest at 4.5%

The Bank of England has kept interest rates at 4.5% for the fourth month in succession.

The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reflects the recent rise in inflation and anxiety over retail sales in the run up to Christmas.

Last month inflation was forecast to remain above the government's 2% target, mainly due to rising oil prices.

The Chancellor's pre-budget speech outlined lower than expected growth in the UK economy, and the interest rate hold is sure to disappoint many retailers looking for a cut in rates before the busy seasonal trading period.

The MPC lowered interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5% in August 2005 – the first cut in two years.

David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said it was disappointing that there had not been "decisive action" in response to the economic situation.

In his pre-budget report, Chancellor Gordon Brown sharply revised the UK economic growth forecast, down to 1.75% from a previous 3% to 3.5%, blaming high oil and energy costs.

Recent reports on high street sales are mixed, and there are concerns that higher inflation than expected may feed through into higher wage increases.

(SP/GB)

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