Millions urged to BOYCOTT greedy banks failing to pass on interest rate rise to customers
Just one-in-seven savings accounts has adjusted their rates to reflect the 0.25 per cent increase earlier this month
A BANK of England chief has called on savers to boycott the penny-pinching banks that have failed to pass on this month's rise in interest rates.
The senior official urged the public to shop around if they are missing out on a good deal after the Bank's base rate increased by 0.25 per cent three weeks ago.
Just one-in-seven savings accounts has adjusted their rates to reflect the hike, meaning Britain's savers are missing out on £4million-a-day.
Amongst those ripping off customers by still not offering the full rate rise, are Barclays, Lloyds, Santander, Halifax, NatWest, HSBC and RBS.
Banks have been far quicker to raise their mortgage rates, meaning many home owners have been hit with higher monthly repayments.
The Bank of England's deputy governor Sir Jon Cunliffe told MPs some delay between an interest hike and changes in high street savings’ rates should be expected.
However, he said if customers should switch banks if they see others offering better rates while their own remains unchanged.
Encouraging the use of comparison websites, Sir Cunliffe said customers must think: “‘If I can get a better rate elsewhere, I should do that.’
"The government has put a lot of effort into making it easier for bank accounts to move.”
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His advice follows The Sun’s successful “Save our Savers” campaign to force banks to agree to boost interest rates for savers in line with the base rate.
The Sun’s campaign called on banks to pass on the benefits to savers – and some of Britain’s biggest banks – including Halifax and Lloyds – agreed to do so.
The Bank of England raised rates from 0.25 per cent to 0.5 per cent on November 2 – the first rise since summer 2007, in a welcome boost for savers left languishing after the financial crisis.