Policymakers said inflation was falling, but not fast enough to cut.
The central bank kept interest rates at 4.25 per cent for a third month in a row, saying inflation was falling but not yet fast enough to cut.
Inflation fell to 3.1 per cent last month, from a peak of more than 9 per cent two years ago. The bank’s target is 2 per cent.
Most economists now expect the first cut in the spring. Mortgage lenders have already started to trim their fixed rates in anticipation.
Councillors voted 27 to 22 in favour after a six-hour debate, ending two years of argument over the future of the waterfront.
Two new cranes have cut the time a ship spends at the quay by almost a third.
The regional index closed 2.3 per cent higher, its best day in four months.
A contract worth £3.2m a year was extended for five years without other companies being invited to bid.
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