At what rate does the Bank of England lend to banks?

The Bank of England lends to banks at the base rate set by its Monetary Policy Committee. This rate is an essential tool for managing monetary policy and influences the borrowing costs for banks. When the Monetary Policy Committee meets, they assess economic conditions and determine the appropriate base rate to encourage or discourage borrowing and spending in the economy.

This mechanism allows the Bank to influence wider economic activity by adjusting the base rate based on inflation targets and economic growth. By lending at this base rate, it ensures that the conditions align closely with the overall monetary policy objectives.

Other potential methods of lending, such as variable rates dependent on market conditions or fixed, non-negotiable rates, do not align with the structured monetary policy strategy employed by the Bank of England. Additionally, premiums over the base rate are typically not the standard practice for lending, as the base rate serves as the foundational cost of borrowing from the central bank.