A cross-party group of MPs has dismissed growing demands to overhaul the Office for Budget Responsibility, warning that criticism of the independent economic forecaster risks undermining its role. The Treasury committee argued that calls for reform from both political ends of the spectrum are misplaced, framing such attacks as an attempt to deflect blame from difficult financial decisions. Lawmakers emphasized that the OBR should remain shielded from political pressure, particularly when public spending constraints force tough choices. The committee’s stance underscores concerns that weakening the watchdog could erode public trust in economic forecasting.
Treasury committee rejects calls for fundamental reform of independent watchdog the Office for Budget ResponsibilityAttacks on the government’s independent economic forecaster from left and right of the political spectrum are akin to “shooting the messenger”, according to an influential group of MPs.The Treasury committee rejected “siren calls to fundamentally reform” the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and said it should not be blamed when policymakers had to make tough decisions because of tight public finances. Continue reading...
