When is the next BoE interest rate decision?

What time is the interest rate decision?

The Bank of England announces its interest rate decisions at 12:00 (noon) UK time on the day of announcement, usually a Thursday.

For the upcoming April 30, 2026 meeting, the decision will also be announced at 12:00 GMT.

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What happened at the latest BoE rate decision?

At the meeting ending on 18 March 2026, published on 19 March 2026, the MPC held Bank Rate at 3.75% in a unanimous vote. The BoE said conflict in the Middle East had pushed up global energy and commodity prices, increasing the risk of higher near-term inflation.

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What is the next Bank of England rate prediction?

The next Bank of England interest rate decision is due on 30 April 2026, after the Bank held rates at 3.75% in March 2026.

Market expectations for future BoE decisions can change quickly. The BoE’s latest guidance suggests that rates may still fall over time, but policymakers are now watching whether higher energy prices keep inflation elevated for longer. The next decision will depend on incoming data on inflation, wages, growth and the labour market

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Short-term forecast (next decision)

Expectations for the next meeting are uncertain and data-dependent:

• Economists previously expected a 0.25% cut, but this has been pushed back
• A Reuters poll now suggests cuts are more likely in April or June rather than March
• Rising energy prices and inflation risks have reduced confidence in near-term cuts

2026 outlook

Most forecasts still point to gradual rate cuts, but fewer than previously expected:

• Many economists expect 1–2 cuts in 2026
• Bank Rate could fall to around 3.25%–3.00% by late 2026
• Some forecasts suggest only one cut or delays, depending on inflation trends

Why predictions have changed

• The BoE held rates at 3.75% in March 2026 amid rising inflation risks from higher energy prices
• Inflation is now expected to stay above the 2% target in the near term
• The Bank has signalled a “meeting-by-meeting” approach, with future decisions driven by incoming data

Summary

• Rate cuts are still expected in 2026, but timing is less certain
• The first cut is more likely in spring or summer (April–June or later)
• Bank Rate could fall from 3.75% to ~3.25%–3.00% by year-end, depending on inflation

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What has the Bank of England done with interest rates in 2026?

So far in 2026, the BoE has made two rate decisions:

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Key Bank Rate decisions in 2026

• 5 February 2026: held at 3.75%
• 19 March 2026: held at 3.75%
• ‍30 April 2026 – Next decision due (announcement expected at 12:00 UK time)

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What did the Bank of England do with interest rates in 2025?

In 2025, the Bank of England gradually reduced interest rates, cutting three times (May, August, December) and holding at other meetings, bringing the Bank Rate down from 4.50% to 3.75% by year-end.

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Full list of 2025 BoE interest rate decisions

• 6 February 2025: Held at 4.50%
• 20 March 2025: Held at 4.50%
• 8 May 2025: Cut to 4.25%
• 19 June 2025: Held at 4.25% (no change)
• 7 August 2025: Cut to 4.00%
• 18 September 2025: Held at 4.00% (no change)
• 6 November 2025: Held at 4.00%
• 18 December 2025: Cut to 3.75%

Overall trend in 2025

• The BoE cut rates three times (May, August, December)
• It held rates steady five times
• Bank Rate fell from 4.50% → 3.75% over the year

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Historical interest rates: The BoE's Bank Rate history

See below for historical interest rate data, showing how the BoE's official Bank Rate has changed over time.
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What is the prediction for UK interest rates?

UK interest rates are expected to fall gradually in 2026, but the timing of cuts is uncertain, with forecasts suggesting 1–2 reductions and a potential year-end rate of 3.25%–3.00%, depending on inflation.

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Updated rate outlook

Current outlook:‍‍‍
Following the decision to hold rates at 3.75% in March 2026, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has maintained a “gradual and careful” approach to easing, while warning that renewed inflation pressures (particularly from higher energy prices) could slow the pace of cuts.
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Market projections:
Markets expect a gradual easing cycle in 2026, but with less certainty around timing:

• Rate cuts are now more likely to begin later in spring or summer (April–June or beyond)
• Expectations for aggressive easing have been scaled back due to inflation risks and global energy price volatility
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Analyst forecasts:
Economists broadly expect modest rate cuts over 2026, though views remain divided:

• Many forecasts point to 1–2 quarter-point cuts in 2026
• This could bring Bank Rate to around 3.25%–3.00% by year-end
• Some analysts expect fewer or delayed cuts if inflation remains persistent

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How often does the Bank of England review interest rates?

The BoE reviews interest rates eight times a year, approximately every six weeks. These reviews are conducted by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which consists of nine members, including the BoE Governor. Each MPC meeting concludes with an announcement on Thursday at 12:00PM (noon).

However, The BoE can also hold emergency meetings to adjust GBP interest rates outside the normal schedule in response to unexpected economic shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

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What is the next interest rate announcement?

The next interest rate announcement from the BoE (Bank of England) is scheduled for Thursday, 30 April 2026, at 12:00 GMT. This is when the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will reveal its decision on whether to hold, raise, or cut the current 3.75% Bank Rate.

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Read more about the Monetary Policy Committee's interest rate decisions here - When is the next MPC meeting?