UK lending to individuals 12-month growth
UK lending to individuals 12-month growth stood at 4.3% in Aug 2026, according to Bank of England. It is one of the indicators in the Bank lending table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Mar 1994 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Bank lending table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly flows and growth | |||||||||||
| Lending to individuals, 12-month growth | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 | |
| Gross mortgage lending, monthly flow | 23,648 | 25,307 | 26,457 | 26,687 | 27,239 | 28,398 | 24,789 | 24,236 | 23,560 | 24,005 |
Understanding UK lending to individuals 12-month growth
Authorised financial institutions measure the annual percentage change in total outstanding debt owed by households across the United Kingdom, comparing the current month's aggregate stock with the same period a year earlier. This annualised metric smooths out short-term monthly volatility and administrative noise, offering a clear view of medium-term trends in household borrowing dynamics. It excludes corporate debt, public sector liabilities, and non-resident borrowing.
Interpreting this growth rate requires understanding that it lags behind turning points in the broader economy and housing market, reflecting cumulative borrowing decisions over preceding seasons. Base effects from unusual historical months can distort the percentage change even when current monthly activity remains stable. Analysts frequently use this benchmark to evaluate whether household leverage is expanding faster or slower than nominal economic output across the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
- What time span does this percentage growth metric evaluate?
- It calculates the 12-month percentage change in total outstanding household debt across the United Kingdom.
- Why is an annual growth rate preferred over monthly flows for some analyses?
- The 12-month comparison eliminates seasonal distortions and monthly administrative noise, revealing underlying trends in borrowing.
- Can base effects impact this percentage series?
- Yes, unusually high or low borrowing figures from the corresponding month in the previous year can artificially skew the current annual growth rate.