09/06/2005

Interest rates remain at 4.75%

The Monetary Policy Committee for the Bank of England has left UK interest rates unchanged for the tenth month in a row.

The decision to keep the interest rate at running, at 4.75% follows further uncertainty in the economy.

Figures published today revealed that while there was slight monthly increase, 0.9%, in manufacturing output the three-month figures revealed a continuing decline in manufacturing. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) reported that manufacturing output dropped by 1.2% between April and May 2005, though this was slightly less than the 1.6% decline between February and March this year.

There are also concerns over consumer debt and slowing high street sales and fears of stagnation in the housing market.

Manufacturing organisations have welcomed the MPC's decision, but, like retailers' organisations, want to see a reduction in the interest rate to boost flagging sales.

British Chambers of Commerce Director General David Frost said: "British business has expected today's MPC decision to leave interest rates unchanged. We have consistently opposed demands made earlier in the year for interest rate increases and we are relieved that the financial markets now accept our assessment.

"We believe that today's decision was on balance correct. But it is critically important that the MPC should now give greater weight to the worsening economic circumstances and should consider more actively the need for an early cut in interest rates."

(SP/GB)

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