Bank of England seeks views of Yorkshire residents
The Bank of England is inviting people from across Yorkshire to have their say on the state of the economy when it hosts its latest Citizens’ Panel in Leeds.
The panels offer people an opportunity to talk to senior Bank officials about economic issues affecting them, such as jobs, banks and the cost of living – and the chance to ask any questions about the functions of the Bank of England.
Registration is now open on the Bank’s website for those interested in taking part in the event in Leeds on the evening of 10 February 2020.
The Bank of England 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.
It will be the second such panel to take place in Yorkshire following a meeting in Hull in April.
Deputy governor and chief operating officer Joanna Place, who runs operations at the Bank of England, including technology, security, HR and finance, will be attending the event.
Place has spent most of her career working for the Bank of England and is keen to hear views of people from across the UK.
She said: “Our Citizens’ Panels are a crucial new initiative for the Bank of England, allowing us to listen directly to communities and citizens across the UK about the economic issues that affect them.
“I’m really looking forward to coming to Leeds to hear about the things that affect people day to day, and to be able to explain a bit more about what the Bank of England does.”
Applications to join the panel, which will be formed of around 24 people, are now open. Anyone over the age of 18 is able to apply.
Juliette Healey, the Bank’s Agent for Yorkshire, said: “I hope 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 those various perspectives we want to hear.”
The Citizens’ Panel programme has been supported by Community Foundations across the UK.
Kate Hainsworth, chief executive of the Leeds Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this important and welcome initiative from the Bank of England.
“These forums give local people here in West Yorkshire 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 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 Yorkshire Citizens’ Panel or would like more information, visit www.bankofengland.co.uk/get-involved/citizens-panels Alternatively, call the Bank of England Yorkshire Agency on 0113 242 0355.
The closing date for applications is 21 January 2020.
