Savings accounts in the UK 'still popular despite recession'

Friday, 27 Mar 2009, 9:55am
Savings accounts in the UK 'still popular despite recession'

A survey has revealed that savings accounts in the UK have remained popular despite the impact of falling interest rates and the ongoing recession.

Savings accounts in the UK remained popular throughout last year, despite the impact of falling interest rates and the onset of the credit crunch.

A poll conducted by National Savings and Investments (NS&I) revealed that the percentage of the population which regularly puts money aside into savings accounts remained constant throughout the year at around 47 per cent.

NS&I also found that despite the high profile collapse of several banks last autumn, Brits actually put more money into savings accounts in the UK over the winter months - averaging £201.55 per month - than they did in summer 2008, when the average figure was £193.34.

Dax Harkins, senior savings strategist at NS&I, described the figures as "encouraging". He added: "It is clear that people are aware of the need to save more in these uncertain times."

NS&I, which is supported by the government, offers ISA savings accounts and online savings accounts backed by a treasury guarantee.

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