Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason he has not included representatives of (a) housing charities, (b) debt charities and (c) trade unions on his new Economic Advisory Panel.

On 17^th October, the Chancellor announced that he would establish an Economic Advisory Council. This will act as a consultative forum for the government to be advised on UK and international economics and financial markets. The Council will consist of leading and respected economists.

The Chancellor has announced the initial members to form the council, with further members to be added in due course. All members have been chosen for their personal knowledge and expertise, as relevant to advising the government on the UK economy. Members can be added or removed at the Chancellor’s discretion.

The Council members, alongside the role and purpose of the Council, will be reviewed after six months.