Cuts in the interest rates are essential for stimulating the economy, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has claimed.
According to the business group, the UK is probably already in recession and the Bank of England should cut interest rates to help stimulate growth.
Economic advisor to the BCC David Kern said there is increased chance the situation will worsen, as indicated by ten per cent falls in house prices and banks' reduced ability to offer small business loans or start-up business loans to struggling firms.
He commented that while the group understands inflationary concerns, there have been recent falls in UK manufacturing and construction output and the lack of business loans at competitive rates is harming growth in the economy.
"A major recession can still be avoided, but the [Bank] cannot wait too long before acting. To reduce the threat of a severe economic downturn, the [Bank] must start cutting interest rates in October or November," Mr Kern concluded.
Recent polls indicate that despite the potential crisis for those seeking loans the Bank will maintain interest rates at five per cent - the same level they have been at since April.




