Context and Background
Welcome to the Bank of England's Publication Scheme which has been compiled in line with our obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to inform the public about our work and functions. Use the links below to find out more about our Publication Scheme and the links in Selected Topics to find out what is available in our Scheme.
What is a publication scheme?
The Freedom of Information Act requires each public authority to adopt and maintain a publication scheme. Schemes must specify the classes of information that the authority publishes or intends to publish; the form in which this is or will be done; and whether there is any charge for the information.
The Bank's Scheme has been approved by the Information Commissioner. Our Scheme is divided into two parts: the first provides context and background; the second sets out the information classes together with a more detailed description of what each class comprises. The information can be accessed via the related internet link or obtained from the Bank's Public Information and Enquiries Group (see 'Getting in touch with the Bank').
What are the purpose and aims of the Bank of England?
Founded in 1694, nationalised in 1946 and gaining operational independence in 1997, the Bank of England stands at the centre of the UK's financial system as the central bank of the United Kingdom. The Bank continues to be committed to promoting the public good by maintaining a stable and efficient monetary and financial framework as its contribution to a healthy economy. The Bank is committed to increasing awareness and understanding of its activities and responsibilities, across both general and specialist audiences alike. Our Publication Scheme builds upon that open and transparent foundation to provide a comprehensive list of information classes accessible to members of the public.
Could you tell me about Bank of England legislation and the Charters of the Bank?
Since the Bank's incorporation by Royal Charter in 1694, there have been a number of enactments directly affecting the Bank and its organisation. Various statutory provisions remain in force which are concerned with the Bank's organisation, governance, powers and functions. The constitution of the Bank, as it now stands, is largely contained in the following documents:
- The Bank of England Act 1694 - which provides for the incorporation of the Bank;
(45k)
- The Charter of the Bank of England 1694 - insofar as it incorporates the Bank, constitutes its capital stock and authorises it to have a common seal, to hold land and property, and to sue and be sued; (47k)
- The Bank Charter Act 1844 - which obliges the Bank to separate its Issue and Banking Departments and to keep them as distinct functions; (53k)
- The Bank of England Act 1946 - the Act by which the Bank was nationalised and its capital stock transferred to HM Treasury; (53k)
- The Charter of the Bank of England 1998 - which, apart from continuing the 1694 Charter, contains provisions relating to the transfer of capital stock and the declaration required of Governors and Directors; (46k)
- The Bank of England Act 1998 - which deals with the constitution and functions of Court and the Monetary Policy Committee, reporting, funding and related matters; (99k)
- The Memorandum of Understanding between HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority although not part of the Bank's constitution, provides details of the Bank's financial stability functions as seen by the Bank, HM Treasury and the FSA. (50k)
How do I get in touch with the Bank to make an information request?
You are welcome to print or download electronic versions of the Bank's Publication Scheme for personal use or for non-commercial purposes, or any of the publications listed within the information classes that show a web link. However, you are also welcome to contact the Bank's Public Information and Enquiries Group for printed copies of internet information, printed copies/publications (where indicated) referred to within the Bank's Publication Scheme.
Any requests for other information that may be held by the Bank should be made in writing to:
Public Information and Enquiries Group (HO-M),
Bank of England,
Threadneedle Street,
London,
EC2R 8AH.
Or by e-mail to enquiries@bankofengland.co.uk
You can also contact the Public Information and Enquiries Group
on 020 7601 4878.
The Public Information and Enquiries Group handles over approximately 1,000 letters, 9,000 e-mails and 28,000 telephone calls each year and aims to answer all written enquiries within 20 working days of receipt.
Does the Bank charge for information in its Publication Scheme?
For each class within Part Two of our Scheme, we have indicated whether the class includes chargeable information or not, and where information is normally free (which is the case for the majority of information that we provide). The following categories, however, could apply:
- free of charge on the website - ie there is no charge by the Bank, although the user would of course have to meet any charges by their Internet Service Provider, personal printing costs etc. For those without internet access or the facilities to print, a single print-out of the information as it appears on the website, is available by post from the Public Enquiries Group (see above for contact details) unless otherwise indicated.
- free of charge hard copy - for example, a leaflet, booklet or bound publication.
Requests for multiple copies of Internet prints or hard copy publications that are indicated as "free" may attract a charge for the cost of photocopy, postage etc. We would let you know this at the time of your request and the charge would be payable in advance.
- Chargeable hard copy - for example, a bound publication, CD-ROM, Video etc.
Who is responsible for the Bank's Publication Scheme?
If you have any queries regarding the Scheme's structure or approach, please contact:
Public Information and Enquiries Group
Public Communications and Information Division
Bank of England
Threadneedle Street
London
EC2R 8AH
e-mail: enquiries@bankofengland.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7601 4724
If you have any queries regarding the Scheme's content, then please contact the Bank's Public Information and Enquiries Group.
How do I make a request for my personal information under the "Data Protection Act 1998"?
The Data Protection Act provides legal rights to individuals (data subjects) in respect of personal data processed about them by others. This Publication Scheme will not change the way in which the Bank handles requests from people for access to any personal data we may hold about them. For data protection issues please contact:
Data Protection Officer
Public Information and Enquiries Group
Public Communications and Information Division
Bank of England
Threadneedle Street
London
EC2R 8AH
e-mail: enquiries@bankofengland.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7601 4724
Who do I contact if I should have a complaint?
If you have a complaint about the operation of this publication scheme, please write or send an e-mail to the Public Information and Enquiries Group Manager at the above address.
Are there any copyright issues that I should be aware of?
Unless otherwise stated the copyright and any other rights in the contents of the material available through this Publication Scheme, including any images and text, are owned by The Governor and Company of the Bank of England. The Bank grants permission to:
- download, display or print material for personal use or use within an individual organisation and for a non-commercial purpose;
- create links to these pages;
- reproduce short extracts provided the source is stated.
Requests for further authorisation regarding proposed usage of the information provided should be addressed to:
The Secretary
Bank of England
Threadneedle Street
London
EC2R 8AH
How can I comment on the Publication Scheme?
We are currently in the process of formally reviewing the scheme. The Bank would welcome your feedback on how useful you have found our Publication Scheme, ways in which you feel it could be improved, and how easy you have found the structure to navigate and locate the information in which you were interested. Please send any comments by e-mail or in writing to:
Public Information and Enquiries Group
Public Communications and Information Division
Bank of England
Threadneedle Street
London
EC2R 8AH
e-mail: enquiries@bankofengland.co.uk