UK economic growth confirmed at 0.7% in first quarter; Lincolnshire oil refinery calls in administrators – business live

<p>UK-US trade deal kicks in today, lowering tariffs for British carmakers and aerospace sector</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/30/uk-households-living-growth-g7-ons-gdp-savings">UK households hit by squeeze on living standards despite fastest growth in G7</a></p><p><strong>Karim Haji</strong>, global and UK head of financial services at KPMG, said:</p><p>May’s uptick in mortgage approvals bucks the downward trend we’ve seen throughout the year so far. The gradual easing of interest rates could be helping to boost confidence and demand amongst mortgage borrowers.</p><p>The cost of living remains high, but a drop in consumer borrowing in May signals that rising incomes are starting to feed through to the cost of day-to-day expenses.</p><p>It is incredibly positive news to see an increased number of mortgage applications approved. It is one of the loudest signals of them all regarding consumer affordability, and it is also a massive vote of confidence from lenders in the longer-term prospects of the economy too.</p><p>As we head into the summer months, we have witnessed on average the number of viewings per property available see an uplift of around 30% compared to the month previous. On top of this, we have also seen the UK Government make a pledge to create a National Housing Bank which could bring significant investment to help build 500,000 new homes, enabling a potential greater degree of flexibility for those who aspire to buy.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2025/jun/30/uk-economic-growth-confirmed-07-first-quarter-household-saving-ratio-falls-mortgage-approvals-trade-deal-tariffs-business-live">Continue reading...</a>