How does goverment policy effect interest rates in the UK

Government policy has a significant effect on interest rates in the UK because it influences inflation, economic growth, government borrowing and consumer spending.

However, it is important to understand that the UK Government does not directly set interest rates. The Bank of England does this independently of the Government.

There are several ways government policy can influence interest rates.

1. Monetary policy – controlling inflation

The Bank of England uses monetary policy to control inflation and maintain price stability.

The Government sets an inflation target of 2%, but the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) independently decides what interest rate is needed to achieve it.

• If inflation is too high: The Bank may increase interest rates to discourage borrowing and spending.
• If inflation is too low: The Bank may reduce interest rates to encourage borrowing, investment and spending

2. Fiscal policy – government spending and taxation

Fiscal policy refers to decisions made by the Government about taxation and public spending.

These decisions can influence interest rates in several ways.

Increasing government spending:

• Creates more demand in the economy.
• Can increase employment and household incomes.
• May increase inflation if demand grows faster than supply.
• The Bank of England may increase interest rates to control inflation.

Increasing taxation:

• Reduces the amount of disposable income households have.
• Can reduce consumer spending and demand.
• May reduce inflationary pressures.
• Could allow the Bank of England to keep interest rates lower than otherwise.

There are exceptions, depending on the type of tax or government spending involved.

3. Government borrowing and national debt

When the Government spends more money than it receives through taxation, it often needs to borrow money.

This can influence interest rates in two ways:

• Increased government borrowing can increase demand for loans and government bonds, potentially pushing up borrowing costs.
• If additional borrowing increases demand and inflation, the Bank of England may respond by increasing interest rates.

For example, HM Treasury published analysis in December 2023 suggesting that an unexpected fiscal policy loosening could increase interest rates by around 0.5–1.25 percentage points in its modelled scenarios. This was an estimate, not a guaranteed outcome. 

GOV.UK

4. Government policies affecting businesses and consumers

Government decisions can also influence interest rates indirectly.

Examples include:

Government policy

Possible effect on interest rates

Reducing income tax

More disposable income, potentially increasing inflation

Increasing public spending

Higher demand, potentially increasing inflation

Increasing corporation tax

Could reduce business investment

Increasing public borrowing

Could put upward pressure on borrowing costs

Investing in infrastructure

Could increase economic growth and productive capacity

Reducing business regulation

5. Who actually controls UK interest rates?

Bank of England rate decision: A quarter-point rate cut as expected | investingLive

Bank of England

Sets the official Bank Rate through its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), independently of day-to-day political influence.

The Government sets the inflation target.

As of November 2026, the Bank Rate is 3.75%. 

the UK's central bank+1

The Bank Rate influences:

• Mortgage interest rates.
• Personal loan interest rates.
• Credit card borrowing costs.
• Business borrowing costs.
• Savings account interest rates