The Bank of England invite Voice members to take part in a workshop to share your experiences of the cost of living crisis and views on the future of money.

Who we are - We’re the UK’s central bank

What does that mean? In a nutshell we…

• ensure high street banks are safe and sound. We look at the entire financial system to reduce risks and keep it safe, so money flows to where it’s needed most.
• set the most important interest rate in the economy (called Bank Rate). This influences the interest offered on your savings or when you take out a loan, like a mortgage. Businesses also depend on loans to grow and hire more staff.
• are responsible for making sure the financial system is stable. We provide critical services for the economy in the good times and bad.
• run the UK’s payment system. When you pay for things with a bank or store card, we work behind the scenes to make sure systems operate as they should. We also print most of the banknotes used in the UK.

We are owned by the UK government. But we operate independently, free from day-to-day political interference. Our responsibilities are very specific and set out in statute. We are not responsible for fiscal policy (tax and government spending).

What will we talk about at the citizens’ panel?

During the workshop we will explain more about the role of the Bank of England. And we will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. But the main purpose of our Citizens’ Panels is to listen to what you have to say. This session is primarily aimed at those aged over 50 as we are especially keen to hear the views of people in this age group.

We would like to know how you are experiencing the recent cost of living increase. How is it affecting your household finances? Are you able to buy the things you need? And what sort of decisions or choices are you having to make? We are also keen to hear your views on the future of money. This could include access to cash and cash usage, digital and card payments, and possible plans for a digital pound.  

How will the session work?

We will kick off with some brief introductions from the Bank, including our Chair of Court David Roberts. We then break into small breakout groups for the main discussion sessions to allow all attendees to share their views and experiences. The session will conclude with a Q&A with David and the Bank’s North East team, led by Agent Mauricio Armellini.

The event will run 6-8pm on Monday 26th June with registration from 5:45pm at The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Photos are sometimes taken at our events to use online, on social media and in our reports. If you do not wish to have your photo taken please just let us know, either in advance of the session, or on the night.  

All of the discussions during the event will be treated as private. We will share a summary of the main themes discussed but not individuals’ comments. We hope this allows attendees to feel more open and comfortable to share their experiences.