The Bank of England must contend with a slowdown in Britain's economy but also stubborn inflation pressures when it considers whether to cut interest rates in early February as well as its message about the outlook for the rest of the year.

The Bank of England (BoE) is open to discussions with Britain's government about new ways to help boost economic growth by paring back regulatory requirements for the financial services industry, Deputy Governor Sam Woods said on Monday.

Newest policy-committee member recommends taking out ‘a little insurance’ amid signs of weakening demand in a fragile economy.

Alan Taylor, the most recently appointed member of the Bank's monetary policy committee (MPC) said the UK is 'in the last half mile on inflation' and called for a pre-emptive cut

The Bank of England’s regulatory arm set out a string of ideas that could meet the government’s call to boost economic growth, including a new “concierge service” for foreign firms entering the UK market and streamlining the process for creating new rules.

The fall in the headline rate of inflation from 2.6 percent to 2.5 percent was unexpected and positive news for the Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The good news is not expected to last as inflation creeps up in the coming months as the rise in employer’s national insurance contributions arrives in April, higher VAT on school fees kicks in and road taxes rise. Add to that rising oil prices that could translate into higher costs for homes, transport and related services.

A weaker UK economy is expected to prompt the Bank of England to accelerate interest rate cuts; Goldman Sachs predicts up to six reductions by the end of next year. The investment bank’s analysts think that as inflationary pressures continue and economic growth slows,

Markets are greatly underestimating the likelihood that the Bank of England will need to speed up the pace of interest rate cuts, Goldman Sachs has argued. They forecast that UK interest rates could drop to 3.