Ross Smith, director of policy, North East England Chamber of Commerce said:
“While the Spring statement forecast continuing economic growth this can be described as steady at best so there is much still to tackle to create conditions in which our businesses can generate the jobs, investment and wealth we need.
“Despite the fact that this wasn’t designed to announce any new tax or spending plans the Chancellor ranged across a series of policy areas with a raft of new consultations.
But two big issues loomed large over this and were barely mentioned. The success or otherwise of negotiations and planning for Brexit could yet render these forecasts largely irrelevant and businesses still have little detail to base their planning on.
“The Chancellor also failed to give any meaningful update on whether the gap between London and other regions is being closed, which again calls into question the commitment in the Conservative manifesto to make this the Government’s top priority.