Bank of England to visit Luton to hear the views of local people about the cost of living

The Bank of England is to hear from local people in Luton about the impact of the cost of living on their finances, as part of our Citizens’ Forum Programme which has been running across the UK since 2018.

About the event

Date: Wednesday 26 February 2025, 5.30pm to 8pm

The Bank of England is to hear from local people in Luton about the impact of the cost of living on their finances, as part of our Citizens’ Forum Programme which has been running across the UK since 2018.

The event is designed to gather information from local people, which will complement existing data and analysis, and help inform the Bank’s policy decisions.    

Monetary policy has been guided by the need to squeeze inflation out of the economy to achieve the 2% target, both in a timely manner and on a lasting basis. High inflation has affected everyone, but it particularly hurts those who can least afford it.

Inflation has fallen over the last year, and is currently at 2.5% (as at December 2024. In December, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) maintained Bank Rate at 4.75%).   

The event in Luton on Wednesday 26 February (5.30pm-8.00pm) will give attendees the opportunity to share their views with Bank officials, including David Bailey, Executive Director for Prudential Policy.  As part of the Bank of England, the Prudential Regulation Authority is responsible for the regulation and supervision of around 1330 banks, building societies, credit unions, insurers and major investment firms.  David will be joined by staff from the Bank’s Agency for the South-East & East Anglia (SE&EA). 

Patrick Campbell, the Bank’s Deputy Agent for the SE&EA said: “We value the opportunity to hear from the people of Luton about the cost of living, and to answering any questions they have about the actions the Bank is taking to keep inflation down.”

The event will be chaired by Mark Smith, Adviser for Bedfordshire Community Voluntary Service.

Anyone aged over 18 is eligible to apply to attend - see the Citizen's Forum page Wednesday 12 February when registration closes. 

Refreshments will be provided and the Bank will make a payment of £25 to all attendees to cover expenses.

Notes to editors

  1. For further information about the Citizens’ Forum programme or if you would like to attend the event please contact Ann Whittaker on BankofEnglandOutreach@bankofengland.co.uk 
  2. Bank Rate maintained at 4.75% - December 2024
  3. Inflation and the 2% target –January 2025

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This page was last updated 20 February 2025