An Interest rate rise of 0.15% to 0.25% by Bank of England is a brave and surprising move given the current economic uncertainty because of the resurgence of Coronavirus, say leading tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg.
Richard Churchill a partner at the firm said: “The main drivers of the current surge in inflation are the worldwide shortage of goods, increased transport costs due of Brexit and shortages in the labour market. These factors are having a much greater impact on inflation and the UK economy.”
He added: “What is needed is clear direction and action by UK Government to actively address these matters. If this is carried out UK businesses will feel they can absorb the interest rate increase, inflation will start to fall, and future interest rate rises will become less likely.”
Richard said: “If there is no assistance or direction provided by UK Government then business owners will be reluctant to take on further borrowings which are now more expensive to sustain their businesses through the current economic uncertainty, this will result in an increase in business failures and a large cost to UK Government as the many previous support measures provided to these businesses will not be repaid.”
He added: “Whilst the economic impact on UK business of the increase is likely to be minimal with interest rates still exceptionally low at 0.25% the message it sends to business owners is a stark one that further interest rate rises are likely, and debt will be more expensive.”
He added: Many businesses have survived to this point with the assistance of cheap borrowings, if the cost of borrowing increases for those businesses facing further economic uncertainty through Coronavirus particularly those in the Hospitality and Leisure sectors then escaping the current financial gloom may appear impossible.”
Richard said: “The Bank of England obviously felt compelled to act with inflation now over 5% but many of the factors influencing inflation are macro-economic and it is unlikely that the interest rate rise in the UK will have any impact on inflation without further increases in the future.”
