Chance to speak to officials from Bank of England
PEOPLE from across the North East can have their say on the state of the economy when the Bank of England hosts its latest Citizens’ Panel in the region.
The panels offer people an opportunity to talk to senior Bank officials about issues such as jobs, housing, banks and the cost of living.
Registration is now open on the Bank’s website for those interested in taking part in the event, which is in South Shields on the evening of January 9, 2020.
The Bank is running panel events around the UK as part of an effort to better understand how the economy is performing and how people are feeling.
The North East panel is chaired by Sarah Green, who was appointed to the role by the Bank of England’s chief economist, Andy Haldane.
“I am really looking forward to chairing the panel and encouraging what I’m sure will be a lively discussion,” Sarah said. “I hope that we can attract a wide range of applications to join the panel so that we can hear from as many diverse voices as possible.
“You certainly don’t need to be an expert on the economy to come along – the economy affects us all in different ways, and it’s that range of perspectives we want to hear.
“It is great news that the Bank of England is conducting this panel in the North East at the start of the new decade as if policy makers understand how the economy is impacting people’s lives they can make better, more informed policy.”
It will be the second such panel to take place in the North East following a meeting in Newcastle in December 2018.
Mauricio Armellini, the Bank of England Agent for the North East, said: “Our Citizens’ Panels are a crucial new initiative for the Bank of England, allowing us to listen directly to communities and citizens right across the UK about the economic issues that affect them.
“Hearing first-hand about what matters to people will allow the Bank’s policymakers to make better decisions for the good of everyone in the UK.”
Applications to join the panel, which will be formed of around 24 people, are now open. The Bank hopes to attract a wide range of people from a variety of backgrounds and anyone over the age of 18 is able to apply.
The Citizens’ Panel programme has been supported by local Community Foundations across the UK.
Rob Williamson, chief executive of the Community Foundation for Tyne and Wear, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this important and welcome initiative from the Bank of England.
“These forums give local people here in the North East a rare opportunity to be able to speak directly to the Bank of England about the issues that really matter to them.
“I would encourage people to take this opportunity and ensure that the voice of communities across our region is heard by an institution that plays such a pivotal role in the economy, and therefore all our lives.”
If you would like to apply to join the Bank of England’s North East Citizens’ Panel or would like more information, visit www.bankofengland.co.uk/outreach/citizens-panels. Alternatively you can call the North East Agency on 0191 250 5168.
The closing date for applications is December 19, 2019. Applicants are required to provide some background information. In the event that the panel is over-subscribed, panellists will be selected in order to maximise diversity across the panel.