Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what analysis he has commissioned on potential productivity of the UK.

Potential productivity is an estimated economic concept that measures the maximum sustainable level of output that can be produced per hour worked across an economy. Where this estimated level sits relative to actual productivity data, as measure by the ONS, depends on how intensely factors of production are being used at a given time.

The ONS publish quarterly updates on official UK productivity statistics and analysis of UK productivity.

The Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook also includes their outlook for potential output and productivity. The Chancellor has brought forward the OBR forecast date to 31 October. This will provide an in-depth assessment of the economy and public finances including a forecast for productivity.

The Government continually monitors and assesses economic developments, including around productivity, to consider their impact on businesses and households. Boosting productivity growth is central to raising the UK’s economic growth, as part of the Growth Plan 2022.