Homeowners and businesses in the UK are finding it easier to borrow money, new research has revealed.
According to a survey by the Bank of England, UK lenders have reported increased availability of loans for business customers over the last three months.
However, the rise on availability was lower than expected and weaker than the previous quarter, suggesting that many smaller firms are still struggling to secure finance .
The Banks findings also revealed that homeowners are finding it easier to access credit, largely due to improvements in the economic outlook, although unsecured personal loans remain in short supply.
Consumers focus on repaying debts means demand for credit cards and personal loans remains weak, but banks and other lenders expect to see demand pick once the Christmas and New Year shopping season comes to an end, the research showed.
Commenting on the results, Owen James, economist at the Centre for Economics and Business Research, said they "suggest that credit availability is improving" and that they support the centres prediction of a full economic recovery forecast in the fourth quarter.






