Britons now 'more keen to save'

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Britons are now more keen to save than at any time in the last 12 months, according to the latest MoneyMood Survey from Legal & General.

The bank found that 65% of UK adults were in the mood to save in January, the highest figure since January 2005 and up from 51% in December 2006.

Its survey of 1,000 people also found that the desire to spend is at its lowest level for three years.

The study was conducted after last month's interest rate rise.

'Less disposable money'

With UK interest rates now at 5.25%, people can make more money from their savings accounts, while conversely, credit cards and loans have become more expensive.

"A fall in household disposable money is the most likely factor in pushing down the mood to spend in our survey," said Legal & General's director of customer marketing Claire Stracey.

"MoneyMood found that the percentage of households who said they have money to spend after paying bills and debt payments fell again for the third year in succession.

"That would suggest that fewer household would be in a position to spend this time round."