Skip to main content

Economy in brief: April 2025

Alpesh Paleja Deputy Chief Economist, CBI

Your monthly guide to the UK economy, giving you a monthly overview of the major trends impacting the UK's main business sectors.

31 Mar 2025, 4 min read

Tough fiscal choices in a tough world

Scrutiny of the Chancellor had been growing ahead of the Spring Statement on 26 March, amid rising pressure on the public finances. The statement itself contained few implications for the near-term outlook, but highlighted increasingly tough choices needing to be taken on fiscal priorities, against the backdrop of an increasingly unpredictable world.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) concluded that without any action, the stability fiscal rule (i.e. day-to-day government spending being matched by revenues by 2029

Exclusive My CBI member-only content Exclusive My CBI member-only content

Already a member? Sign in
  • Access a member exclusive site

    Access a member exclusive site

    CBI members benefit from the latest economic and political intelligence, thought leadership, practical guides and other exclusives - all on one digital platform

  • Make informed business decisions

    Make informed business decisions

    Scan the horizon and anticipate risks and opportunities, from economic downturns to policy change, with unparalleled intelligence from our experts

  • Gain ideas and inspiration

    Gain ideas and inspiration

    Share challenges and ideas with – and borrow brilliance from – a community of business leaders and experts, and grow your profile among peers

Become a CBI member

My CBI is packed with the latest intelligence and policy updates, as well as inspirational thought leadership and helpful guides designed to support your business to grow. Become a CBI member today to gain access. 

Become a member