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 February 10.

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.

Jo 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 (pictured) the Bank’s Agent for Yorkshire, 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 those various perspectives we want to hear.”

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 or call 0113 242 0355.

The closing date for applications is January 21.

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.