Interest rates held at 4% by Bank of England

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Interest rates have been held at 4% by the Bank of England in a widely expected move.

The decision comes as inflation remains at almost double the Bank's target, and ahead of the Budget later this month in which speculation has grown over tax rises.

The chancellor has said measures in her Budget will focus on "getting inflation falling and creating the conditions for interest rate cuts".

The Bank's base rate has an impact on the cost of borrowing for individuals and businesses, and also on returns on savings.