29 March 2006
Figures released by the Bank of England (BoE) have revealed that the amount lent to individuals in February increased less than in Januray.
A total of £9.5 billion was lent to consumers in February, which was £0.6 billion less than the increase that was recorded in January.
The decrease is not necessarily evidence of a cooling of the economic environment, however, as the BoE said that February's growth was in line with the previous six-month average.
Loans secured on dwellings increased by £8.1 billion - £0.8 billion lower than the January rise.
The amount of money given to consumers through loans rose by £0.9 billion in February compared with £0.6 billion in the previous month, despite a fall in the total amount lent to consumers overall.
Credit card lending matched the broader trend, with the £0.5 billion increase that occurred in February failing to outstrip the £0.6 climb that occurred the month before.
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