The OBR is an independent body, which takes full responsibility for the content of all its publications and other pronouncements.
To fulfil our remit of analysing and reporting on the sustainability of the public finances, we need to work closely with the many government departments that are responsible for forecasting the different revenues, spending streams and financial transactions that affect the public finances. We also have an executive responsibility to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to deliver the fiscal and economic forecasts he needs to take tax and spending decisions.
To ensure that our independence is not called into question, we believe that it is important to be transparent about the way in which we interact with government.
The Memorandum of Understanding sets out the agreed working relationship between the OBR, HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions, and HM Treasury. It sets out the arrangements needed for effective working, covering each institution’s key responsibilities, coordination of the forecast process, and the process for information sharing.
Producing our forecasts
Our briefing paper describes how we work with departments to produce the different elements of our fiscal forecasts.
The OBR uses a large-scale macroeconomic model for the production of the economic forecast, which is jointly maintained and developed by the Treasury and the OBR. A framework for the joint governance, management and development of the macroeconomic model is set out in a Memorandum of Understanding – the macroeconomic model.
Budget
We agreed a five-year funding allocation from the Treasury starting from 2016-17. The budget is £2.667 million in 2016-17 rising to £2.775 million in 2020-21. This is set out in a letter on 31 March 2016 from HM Treasury Permanent Secretary to Chair of the OBR regarding the OBR funding allocation.
The OBR buys some administrative support services from the Treasury, for example human resources and finance. These arrangements are set out in a Service level agreement.
Offices
The OBR shares its accommodation at 102 Petty France, and buys some services (such as IT support), from the Ministry of Justice.