Barclays slams small business lending targets

LONDON - The head of Barclays' small business unit has criticised the idea of industry-wide government targets for lending to small firms. Steve Cooper told the Financial Times that it could result in banks agreeing loans to meet targets rather than on the merits of applications.

The government is exploring the option of extending targets to all banks, not just ones in which it owns a stake. There are fears that insufficient bank lending is holding back recovery. 

The governor of the Bank of England this week described constrained lending as a "headwind" facing the UK economy.

Editor's Comment
Stakeholders must step up veggie supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...

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