UK's Bold Financial Reforms: Reeves Unveils Plan to Boost Economy, Ease Mortgage Access

July 15, 2025
UK's Bold Financial Reforms: Reeves Unveils Plan to Boost Economy, Ease Mortgage Access
  • Critics warn that deregulating the City could pose economic risks, recalling the 2008 financial crisis, despite support from the financial sector.

  • This announcement is part of the Labour government’s broader focus on revitalizing sluggish economic growth, with Reeves highlighting that reforms are crucial for long-term stability.

  • During her Mansion House speech, Reeves will introduce the 'Leeds reforms' at a summit with City executives, emphasizing the importance of cutting burdensome regulations to stimulate growth and household finances.

  • The government also plans to collaborate with the Financial Conduct Authority, Bank of England, and Green Finance Institute on a pilot project to address barriers in financing high carbon reduction projects.

  • British finance minister Rachel Reeves is set to announce a series of major regulatory reforms on July 15, 2025, aimed at boosting the UK economy through financial services.

  • A key component of the reforms is making permanent an insurance scheme that encourages lenders to offer higher risk, high loan-to-value mortgages, fulfilling a pledge from last year's election campaign.

  • Reeves has criticized regulators for not prioritizing economic growth and argues that reducing red tape will benefit households across Britain through trickle-down effects.

  • Despite a strong first quarter in 2025, the UK’s overall economic growth remains sluggish, leading to expectations of significant tax increases in Reeves’ upcoming budget to address public finances.

  • These reforms include measures to reduce regulatory barriers for businesses, facilitate access to mortgages, and support green finance initiatives, with the goal of stimulating economic growth.

  • Following recent easing by the Bank of England, which could enable up to 36,000 additional mortgages annually, Nationwide is lowering its minimum income requirement for first-time buyers from 35,000 to 30,000 pounds.

  • She emphasizes that a thriving financial sector is vital for Britain’s overall success and growth ambitions, and the reforms aim to stimulate broader economic investment.

  • Reeves will also announce a permanent government-backed guarantee scheme for 95% mortgages, encouraging banks to offer larger loans, a move aligned with her party’s manifesto.

  • The reforms follow an external review of transition finance, which identified risks related to new carbon-reduction technologies and uncertainties around government incentives.

Summary based on 3 sources


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