MPs brand QE as 'expensive experiment'

clock

A group of MPs has criticised government attempts to stimulate the economy, including quantitative easing, for being "expensive experiments".

The Public Accounts Committee said the Treasury could not say what the effect of the Bank of England's £375bn quantitative easing programme had been, the BBC reports. It also criticised the "failure" of the government's flagship lending scheme. After examining the Treasury department's annual report and accounts for 2011-12, the cross-party committee said the Treasury had "limited understanding" of its role in the Bank of England's QE programme and it was not aware of the risks and benefits of the scheme. Committee chair Margaret Hodge said: "Some £375bn has so far been injected into ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Kevin Warsh's surprise pick for Fed chair forces investors to rethink 'dollar debasement'

Kevin Warsh's surprise pick for Fed chair forces investors to rethink 'dollar debasement'

'Catalyst' for rapid repricing

Alex Sebastian
clock 04 February 2026 • 4 min read
Partner Insight: A new VCT landscape - what advisers need to know after the Budget

Partner Insight: A new VCT landscape - what advisers need to know after the Budget

For professional advisers and paraplanners only. Not to be relied upon by retail clients.

Toyin Oyeneyin, Tax Product Specialist, Octopus Investments
clock 19 January 2026 • 5 min read
Advisers predict returns uptick in face of increased market volatility until 2030

Advisers predict returns uptick in face of increased market volatility until 2030

Investor Confidence Barometer from Scottish Widows

Jenna Brown
clock 07 January 2026 • 2 min read