Northern Rock and the Nottingham Building Society have launched new savings accounts aimed at helping savers to overcome the impact of rising inflation . According to new figures from the Office of National Statistics, inflation hit 3.7 per cent in April, meaning that basic rate taxpayers need their savings to be earning 4.625 per cent gross in order to maintain the real value of their money.
The new savings account from Northern Rock is a regular saver account offering a fixed interest rate of 5 per cent until June next year. Savers may deposit between £1 and £250 each month, with notice free withdrawals available. The Nottingham Building Society, meanwhile, is offering regular savers a slightly better interest rates of 5.04 per cent, though savers may only make monthly payments of up to £100. While these accounts offer competitive interest rates and instant access, the Coventry Building Society is also offering savers interest rates of 5 per cent on its five year bonds.
No such accounts are being offered to help higher rate taxpayers overcome the effect of inflation, as they would need to earn 5.3 per cent on their savings.






