Responding to the latest ONS GDP statistics, Muniya Barua, Deputy Chief Executive at 91¶¶Òù, said:
“All eyes will be on the Chancellor to see how she intends to kickstart the economy after this latest data shows growth is still anaemic. Businesses are looking for greater clarity from the Government on their tax and spending plans in the Budget so they can look to the future with more confidence.
“The Chancellor should prioritise measures that can unlock significant sums of private investment such as confirming HS2 will reach Euston, which could contribute £41bn to the economy over the next three decades. There are also several no or low cost steps that can boost the economy such as giving local leaders the tools they need to drive growth, establishing clear infrastructure funding models to crowd in private cash and ensuring the new Growth & Skills Levy is designed in a way that encourages investment in training.â€