Professor Jonathan Haskel has been officially confirmed as the next Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), a crucial independent body that provides economic forecasts and scrutinises the government's public finance plans. The confirmation comes after the House of Commons Treasury Committee announced its satisfaction with Professor Haskel's suitability for the role, following his nomination by the Chancellor in June 2026.
The Treasury Committee, responsible for scrutinising the expenditure, administration, and policy of His Majesty's Treasury, stated, "We are satisfied that Professor Haskel has the appropriate professional competence and personal independence to carry out his role." This endorsement is a critical step in the appointment process for such a high-profile economic position, ensuring cross-party confidence in the individual tasked with holding the government to account on its fiscal policies.
Professor Haskel, an established economist, will now lead the OBR in its vital work of producing independent forecasts for the UK economy and public finances, assessing the impact of government policy decisions, and evaluating the long-term sustainability of the public finances. His appointment comes at a time of ongoing economic uncertainty and fiscal challenges, with the OBR's analysis playing a key role in informing parliamentary debate and public understanding of the nation's financial health.
The OBR's forecasts underpin the government's annual Budgets and Autumn Statements, providing an essential independent assessment that parliamentarians and the public rely upon. The Chair's role is particularly significant in maintaining the credibility and impartiality of these assessments, which can have a substantial influence on economic policy direction and public spending decisions.
The appointment of Professor Haskel underscores the government's commitment to independent scrutiny of its economic agenda. His background and expertise are expected to bring a robust and informed perspective to the OBR's work, ensuring its continued reputation for rigorous and unbiased analysis. The opposition parties will undoubtedly be keen to see the OBR maintain its independence and provide candid assessments under Professor Haskel's leadership.