Bank of England to visit Weston-super-Mare to hear the views of local people about the cost of living

The Bank of England is interested to hear from the people of Somerset about the impact of the cost of living on their finances, as part of their 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 is expected to fall during 2026 from its current rate of 3.4% (as of December 2025). At the December meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reduced Bank Rate to 3.75%.

The event in Weston-super-Mare on Wednesday 25 February (5.30pm-8.00pm) will give attendees the opportunity to share their views with senior Bank officials supported by staff from the Bank’s Agency for the South West.

Entry is via pre-registration for forum members only, but anyone aged over 18 is eligible to join the community and register to attend the Weston-super-Mare panel session before registration closes on Wednesday 11 February.

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

For further information about the Citizens’ Forum programme or if you would like to attend the event please contact Ann Whittaker on Outreach@bankofengland.co.uk