UK Finance responds to Budget 2017

Responding to the Chancellor's budget, Stephen Jones, Chief Executive, UK Finance said:

?At a time when there is still much uncertainty about the nature of the UK's relationship with the EU and the impact this will have on future cross-border trade this was rightly a Budget focused on investing in UK plc.

?Today's announcements start addressing some of the challenges in our housing market and their focus on improving supply of new homes is welcome. The finance industry has campaigned for Government to support smaller housebuilders so today's new guarantees go a long way in helping make this a reality. Removing stamp duty for all first time buyers up to £300,000 will help ensure the UK has a housing market which can meet the aspirations of that important group and contribute to the health of the wider economy.

?For business, an ?Action Plan? to unlock over £20 billion of new investment in UK-based high growth and scale-up firms, in conjunction with £500 million to support tech initiatives, will provide a significant lift for the UK's economy.?

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