In a sweeping economic reform agenda, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged to “take the boot of regulation off the throat of businesses”, vowing a major deregulation push to spur growth and revitalize the UK’s financial sector.
The announcement came during her high-profile Mansion House speech, where she outlined plans to slash bureaucratic hurdles for businesses, particularly in the City of London, in hopes of reigniting Britain’s sluggish economy.
A Return to Pre-2008 Financial Freedom?
Treasury insiders suggest Reeves aims to revive the pre-2008 financial services model, before the global banking crash led to tighter restrictions. Her strategy hinges on encouraging more risk-taking in the markets while ensuring stability—a delicate balance that has drawn both praise and skepticism.
However, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey struck a cautious tone at the same event, warning of the dangers posed by global trade tensions. He highlighted the risks of economic fragmentation due to rising tariffs, particularly referencing Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies.
“Increasing tariffs creates the risk of fragmenting the world economy, and thereby reducing activity,” Bailey cautioned, signaling potential headwinds for Reeves’ deregulation drive.
Mortgage Market Reforms: Helping First-Time Buyers
Just hours before her Mansion House address, Reeves unveiled the “Leeds Reforms”—a package designed to make homeownership more accessible. The changes include:
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Lowering the minimum salary requirement for mortgages from £35,000 to £30,000 (or £50,000 for couples).
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Increasing borrowing limits from 3.5x to 4.5x annual income.
Reeves told the Yorkshire Post that it was “ridiculous” that many young professionals, like teachers, struggle to buy homes today compared to previous generations. “My parents, both primary school teachers, owned their home in their twenties. How many can do that now?” she asked.
The reforms could help over 30,000 first-time buyers enter the market, easing pressure on a generation trapped in expensive rentals.
A Wider “Bonfire of Regulations”
Reeves made clear that mortgage reforms are just one piece of a broader deregulation agenda. She criticized excessive red tape for stifling innovation and called on regulators to “boldly regulate for growth.”
“In too many areas, regulation still acts as a boot on the neck of businesses, choking off enterprise,” she declared. “We must unleash the potential of our financial sector to drive prosperity across the UK.”
Her vision aligns with the government’s central mission of economic growth, but critics warn that loosening rules too much could repeat past mistakes that led to financial instability.
What’s Next?
With the Bank of England urging caution and global trade tensions rising, Reeves faces a tough balancing act. Will her deregulation push unlock growth, or could it backfire?
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