Chancellor warns of 'dangerous cocktail of risks' as UK growth revised down

OBR forecasts 2% growth in 2016

Daniel Flynn
clock • 1 min read

The UK's GDP growth target for 2016 has been revised down to 2% by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) in today's Budget, from its November target of 2.4%.

Chancellor George Osborne said growth has been revised down due to a "materially weaker" outlook for the country as uncertainty approaches in the months preceding June's EU referendum, adding he has chosen "sound public finances to deliver security". "We can choose to add to risk and uncertainty. We choose to put suitability first. We can lead the world with long term solutions to long term problems. We choose to put the next generation first," he said. "Financial market turbulence and low productivity make for a dangerous cocktail of risks, but one that Britain is well prepared to ha...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Partner Insight: A new VCT landscape - what advisers need to know after the Budget

Partner Insight: A new VCT landscape - what advisers need to know after the Budget

For professional advisers and paraplanners only. Not to be relied upon by retail clients.

Toyin Oyeneyin, Tax Product Specialist, Octopus Investments
clock 19 January 2026 • 5 min read
Advisers see more market volatility coming in 2026

Advisers see more market volatility coming in 2026

Uncertainty over the global economy and UK inflation rate

Isabel Baxter
clock 06 January 2026 • 2 min read
Inflation falls faster than predicted ahead of BoE interest rate vote

Inflation falls faster than predicted ahead of BoE interest rate vote

3.2% in November

Michael Nelson
clock 17 December 2025 • 2 min read