The Bank of England is set to engage with residents in Darlington regarding the impact of the cost of living on their finances. This initiative is part of the Citizens’ Forum Programme, which has been active across the UK since 2018. The event aims to gather insights from local individuals, supplementing existing data and analysis to inform the Bank's policy decisions.
Scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, the event will provide a platform for attendees to discuss their experiences with Bank officials. Among those present will be Professor Alan Taylor, an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), and staff from the Bank's Agency for the North East. Michelle Cooper, CEO of Point North, will chair the session.
The Bank's monetary policy focuses on reducing inflation to meet a 2% target sustainably. Although inflation has decreased over the past year and currently stands at 3% as of January 2025, it remains a significant concern. In February, the MPC reduced the Bank Rate to 4.5%.
Participation in this event requires pre-registration for forum members only. However, individuals over 18 can apply to join the community and register for the Darlington panel session before March 25 when registration closes. Attendees will receive refreshments and a £25 payment to cover expenses.
For further details about attending or information on the Citizens’ Forum Programme, interested parties can contact Ann Whittaker at BankofEnglandOutreach@bankofengland.co.uk.
Information from this article can be found here.