Statement from the Chancellor and main British banks and building society on maintaining support for households and businesses

5 Jul 2016 03:17 PM

Joint statement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, and leaders of the UK’s main lenders released on 5 July 2016.

While we are realistic about the economic challenge facing the country after the referendum result; we are reassured that collectively we can rise to it.

The last time Britain faced an economic shock the banks were at the heart of the problem.

Thanks to the hard work of rebuilding the banks, making them stronger and safer, and the arrival of new challenger banks – banks and building societies are now part of the solution.

The government gave the Bank of England new counter-cyclical capital buffer powers to support lending in the financial system in the good times and bad.

The independent FPC of the Bank of England have today used those powers.

Now the UK’s main lenders, meeting with the Chancellor this morning, have agreed to make the extra capital available to support lending to UK businesses and households in this challenging time.

The Chancellor called for a joint national effort to meet the economic challenge. Today we see that effort take place.

Signatories and attendees