Bank base rate: response from Alex Beavis, Interim Director of Banking at LHV Bank

17 September 2026

Following the Bank of England's decision to hold base rate, Alex Beavis, Interim Director of Banking at LHV Bank, responds:

“The Bank of England has resisted the pressure to increase base rate, against a backdrop of an expected increase in inflation, and that presents a challenge for savers who want to improve their ability to cope with any increase in outgoings. Our recent research found that the majority of savers with emergency money set aside (57%) would struggle to cover up to three months of essential costs, suggesting they could be exposed should they lose their income or face a major repair bill.

“Being diligent in setting money aside can only be the start. If you are an Active Saver, devoting a little time every couple of months to checking the interest rate on your savings, and moving if necessary to an account paying an inflation-beating rate, you’ll be better prepared to deal with any unexpected expenses that emerge.”