Many people in the UK are choosing to leave their money in
savings accounts rather than spending on an everyday basis, a new study has found.
Recent research conducted by YouGov on behalf of
Birmingham Midshires bank indicated that saving is now being prioritised over luxury purchases such as holidays and home improvements.
The bank's Saving Britain campaign has been monitoring the financial habits of consumers in the UK since 2002.
According to the latest figures, Britons saved an average of £1,031 in the three months to April 2010, up from around £554 at the same time last year.
John Bianco, senior manager at
Birmingham Midshires Savings, commented: "It is reassuring to see that people have increased the amount they save for the second quarter in a row, as good saving habits are important to ensure you can plan ahead financially."
However, some 39 per cent of those polled also admitted to breaking into their savings during the same time period, with Londoners dipping into their accounts by an average of £2,171.
Respondents in the south were found to be the best savers overall, managing to put away some £1,493 in the last three months, while those in Wales figured lowest with a total of £704.
