NS&I Reports Savings Levels Drop This Winter
NS&I's Savings latest survey discovers UK winter savings have decreased to their lowest level for over two years


LONDON, ENGLAND, March 14, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- NS&I's Savings latest survey has found that this winter, the amount of money the population is saving has decreased to its lowest level for over two years. On average, the British public is now setting aside 6.25% of their monthly take-home income. This figure has fallen consistently since this time last year (6.48%), and is at its lowest level since summer 2007 (6.22%).

In pounds, average savings have fallen from GBP90.12 twelve months ago, winter 2008/09, to GBP81.94. In addition the average income has fallen to GBP1310, from GBP1384 last quarter and at its lowest level since Spring 2008 (GBP1306).

Examining savings attitudes across the country, savers in East Anglia and the West Midlands recorded positive savings behaviour, managing to set aside more money as a percentage of their income than other areas. East Anglian savers were highest at 7.77% (6.01% in winter 2008/09) with the West Midlands at 6.50% (5.89% in winter 2008/09). In Greater London the average amount saved per person fell below GBP100 for the first time in almost two years. On average people in London are now saving GBP99.45 per month.

Tim Mack, Senior Savings Spokesman, NS&I said: "With the new financial year approaching, now is a good time for people to take a closer look at their finances and set themselves savings goals for the year ahead."

Fewer people say they are regularly making regular savings money this quarter. Over the past five years, this figure has fluctuated between 47% and 55%, but this winter it has fallen to 44%, one of the lowest ever recorded levels*.

The amount of money regular savers set aside each month has fallen below GBP200 for the first time in over a year to GBP195.08.

Notes to editors:
The Savings Survey (Previously the Quarterly Savings Survey) was conducted by TNS, amongst 3003 GB adults aged 16+ between 4 December 2009 and 7 February 2010.
* The lowest ever recorded figure for this savings index was 43% in winter 2006/07.

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