With high inflation here to stay, savers need to maximise returns

With the announcement by The Bank of England that The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has remained high at 2.7 per cent, and with indications that high inflation is here to stay for the foreseeable future, savers need to be proactive and move to an account paying better rates in order to limit the impact of inflation on their money, according to analysis by MoneySupermarket.
 
To beat inflation, basic rate tax payers will need an account paying at least 3.39 per cent to gain benefit in real terms from their savings, increasing to 4.51 per cent for higher rate tax payers, and 5.41 per cent for 50 per cent tax payers.
 
No easy access accounts currently beat the effects of inflation while six easy access ISAs and one fixed rate ISAs beat inflation. In addition, 11 regular saver accounts beat inflation for basic rate taxpayers, while only five regular saver accounts beat inflation for higher rate taxpayers. However, with the current average savings rate currently at 0.26 per cent, the majority of savers can still switch to much better deals and reduce the impact of inflation.
 
Kevin Mountford, head of banking, at MoneySupermarket, said: "With inflation remaining high, and set to remain so for the foreseeable future, people need to be prepared to limit the impact of the rising cost of living on their household budgets. For savers it is important to make sure you money is working as hard for you as it can do.
 
"Although there are only a few accounts which offer returns which beat the eroding effect of inflation, it is vital not to be disheartened. The important thing is that people are prepared to switch if they are not currently on the most competitive deal, even if the rates on offer don't beat the eroding effect of inflation - especially as the majority of savings are sitting in accounts paying a derisory rate of interest. If you are a UK taxpayer, then using your tax free ISA allowance should be the first port of call for savers looking to limit the impact of inflation.
 
"It is also important to check your rate if you signed up to an account offering a bonus rate, as there are many deals coming to an end shortly, meaning you could be left on a very uncompetitive rate. Savers may also consider looking at alternative products such as offsetting savings against mortgage borrowing or peer-to-peer lending as the returns may be more favourable."