LIVE: Autumn Statement 2016

Philip Hammond will promise new money for broadbandPhilip Hammond will promise new money for broadband
Philip Hammond will promise new money for broadband
Chancellor Philip Hammond was today due to take to his feet in the Commons for his first statement on the economy since the general election.

It will be the first real indication of the economy since the UK’s shock vote to leave the EU.

But what will the Autumn Statement mean for Lancashire?

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Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: “The Autumn Statement gives the government a great chance to set the tone for its relationship with British business, by pulling out all the stops to support investment, infrastructure improvements, and business confidence.

“The Chancellor made the right move when he signalled his willingness to use historically-low interest rates to invest prudently to support growth, and he has a golden opportunity now to use this fiscal flexibility to ‘crowd in’ business investment.

“Plans to lower business costs and support investment would help firms take risks and seize opportunities in spite of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Brexit process. Westminster must do everything in its gift to improve the business environment – and firms will repay that backing with investment, hiring, training and export growth.”

For a full round-up of the Autumn Statement, visit our website or see tomorrow’s paper.