Bank of England moves interest rate decision from election day

The Bank of England's monetary policy committee will postpone its next interest rate decision meeting from 6 May, the date of the general election. The committee, which is not expected to shift current policy from holding rates at 0.5%, will make its decision on 10 May instead, the Bank said. In keeping with the MPC's rules, the two-day rate-setting meeting will now be held on Friday 7 May and Monday 10 May. An auction of government bonds, set for 5 May, was also hit by the election. The Debt Management Office said it would bring forward the auction of a 4.5% coupon three-year gilt to 28 April.