Government 'lacks growth strategy'

18th February 2011

The government's growth strategy is too dependent on the private sector to simulate British industry, according to a group of MPs

The House of Commons business, innovation and skills committee said the current Whitehall initiatives "do not add up to a comprehensive growth strategy" and lack clear performance measurements.

In a warning to the government, is claimed there is a "worrying gap" between the coalitions' ambition for growth and its policies to achieve it.

The cross-party group of MPs repeated its call that bank lending to business lies at the heart of the economy recovery.

It said that the Project Merlin deal between the government and banks to direct funds to small business are a "step in the right direction" but that "the jury will remain out until it delivers real benefits to industry".

"If the economic recovery is to be sustained then both government and banks need to move quickly from rhetoric to meaningful of support to the private sector," the report said.

The committee called on the coalition to introduce performance measures to monitor its strategy, the end of a "haphazard" approach to creative industries, and for more details on bank lending to be made public.

It said: "The government has proposed a number of interventions which have the potential to help promote economic growth, but they do not add up to a comprehensive growth strategy."

Committee chair Adrian Bailey said: "The department's focus on economic growth is welcome but warm words and aspirations are not enough. Unless the department develops detailed plans to help industry then this positive message will mean little to UK businesses."

In response to the report, business secretary Vince Cable admitted: "We know there is more to be done."

"The government's job is to help create an environment in which business has the confidence to expand, invest and innovate," he said.

"But we know there is more to be done. That's why we are currently working closely with business on the growth review to promote a new economic dynamism by removing barriers and putting the private sector first when it comes to decisions on tax, regulation and spending."

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