Call for coming Budget to bolster UK economy

The UK government must deliver a Budget that can bring the country out of austerity, the CBI has said in its submission to the Chancellor .

The trade body, which represents nearly 200,000 businesses, said next month’s Budget should show that the country is open for business and dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and ambitious firms to thrive in all regions amid “generation-defining” hurdles.

CBI director-general Car- olyn Fairbairn is urging the approval of large and small infrastructure projects, and practical support for innovators, for example. She said: “Brexit planning must not be allowed to crowd out vital action at home… the government needs to set its eyes on the horizon, not the next few yards. The only sure way to raise living standards and provide sustainable public services is to solve the UK’S productivity problem. This means tackling the weak foundations of our economy with consistency and determination.”