Bank of England cuts interest rates for fifth time in a year

• The Bank of England has cut UK interest rates from 4.25 per cent to 4 per cent, the lowest level since March 2023, despite forecasting a sharp rise in inflation.
• For the first time in the Monetary Policy Committee’s history, it required a second vote to achieve a 5-4 majority for the move.
• This interest rate cut is expected to reduce government debt payment costs, a move welcomed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
• The Bank raised its economic growth forecast for 2025 to 1.25 per cent but warned that inflation is now set to peak at 4 per cent in September, driven by higher energy and food prices.
• Inflation is projected to return to the 2 per cent target rate by 2027.

IN FULL

Interest rates cut to 4% as UK inflation picks up