UK banks slammed for failing to lend to small businesses
14 Feb 2012
UK banks have come for criticism after figures revealed yesterday that lending to cash-strapped businesses collapsed by nearly £10 billion last year.
Bank of England statistics reveal the mockery of Project Merlin, which attempts to encourage banks to boost credit to companies.
The figures come as a survey by financial specialist Bibby Financial Services reveals the owners of small firms were falling back on personal savings to keep their businesses going.
According to a separate survey of more than 11,000 members of the Federation of Small Businesses, a third had used their own savings to fund their businesses.
The Bank of England figures reveal the shabby treatment meted out to businesses by five of Britain's biggest banks – Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, Barclays and Santander.
Business secretary Vince Cable said small firms were still finding it too difficult to secure the finance they needed.
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