If the economy takes a turn for the worse then banks will have an even tougher time showing improvement on the top line.

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"Removing the ILF will leave already cash-strapped local authorities even worse off - and they in turn will be looking at ways of cutting back on the support that they provide for disabled people with very high support needs, " he said.

BBC: Mandy Kiddell

Mr Rodwell said the weather had taken a "turn for the worse" on Friday night, with blizzard conditions even at low levels.

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And that in turn would lead to a further downward spiral of sales and prices which would make the impending economic recession even worse.

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