BOE Set to Give Labour a Reality Check Over UK Growth Plans

  • Chancellor warned public-sector pay plans a risk to rate cuts
  • GDP forecasts to fall short of 2.5% targeted by new government

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Report will be released on Aug. 1.

Photographer: Betty Laura Zapata/Bloomberg
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ambition to lift UK economic growth to 2.5% a year is expected to be dealt a blow when the Bank of England releases new forecasts next week.

In its economic update on Aug. 1, the BOE will say the UK’s long-term growth potential is less than 2%, economists predict, leaving Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves with tough decisions if she is to deliver big pay rises for public-sector workers and make a start on fixing the country’s dilapidated public services.