Torsten Bell to give evidence on the OBR as position of Chair remains vacant
The Pensions Minister, Torsten Bell MP, will give evidence to the Treasury Committee about the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
Meeting details
The purpose of the session will be to understand how the Treasury views the role, performance and future of the OBR. The Minister may be asked about events leading up to the 2025 Budget, including what can be done to avoid some of the speculation and uncertainty which surrounded it.
Richard Hughes stepped down as Chair of the OBR just over 6 months ago. MPs are likely to ask Mr Bell for an update on the recruitment of a new Chair given the delay. By statute, the Committee must provide its consent to any appointment.
MPs may also ask the minister whether he believes any elements of the OBR and the fiscal framework need to change.
Given his position as Pensions Minister, questions may also be asked about the Government’s pensions reforms.
This is the fourth session of the Treasury Committee’s inquiry into the OBR. In previous hearings, MPs have heard from members of the Budget Responsibility Committee, international commentators, both of the watchdog’s former chairs and expert voices.