What is the main aim of the Monetary Policy Committee?

• A. To set monetary policy for the entire economy.
• B. To keep inflation within a range set each year by the Chancellor.
• C. To manage government debt exclusively.
• D. To supervise retail banks.

Answer: (B)

The key aim of the Monetary Policy Committee is to keep inflation close to the government’s target. The Chancellor sets the target range for consumer price inflation, and the MPC uses policy tools like the Bank Rate and asset purchases to steer inflation back toward that target. If inflation runs above the target, the MPC tends to raise rates to cool demand; if it’s below target, it can cut rates or ease policy to stimulate demand. This focus on achieving the inflation target defines the MPC’s primary objective.

The other roles mentioned belong to different parts of the system: debt management is handled by the government’s Debt Management Office, and supervision of banks is carried out by regulators such as the PRA and FCA, not the MPC.