Are banks making more money from savers than ever before?

As savings rates continue to plummet in the UK while banks appear intent on maintaining relatively high mortgage rates compared to the base rate, there is a feeling that UK savers are being used to fund more expensive consumer finance. As well as borrow money from the money markets the UK banks are allowed to lend against their asset base which is in effect their savings customers and loan customers. With many savings rates falling to around 0% already it appears the banks are already making "hay while the sun shines" by using savers deposits to increase their returns from customers lending money.



This has prompted a fierce backlash from a number of consumer groups who are adamant that the government needs to step in now and protect the interests of UK savers. Less talk and more action seems to be the name of the game at the moment as the government is caught between a rock and a hard place and uncertain what to do. Tax incentives and various allowances for savers have been floated but as yet nothing has been confirmed or been put before Parliament. Surely this must just be a matter of time?