Lending up four per cent in 2026, says FLA
New figures from the Finance & Leasing Association reveal that lending in the first seven months of the year has increased by four per cent to £98.2bn.
Of this total, £24.5bn was provided to businesses for investment in machinery, equipment, and vehicles, while £73.6bn was provided to households, including £26bn for new and used car purchases.
The figures underline the vital role specialist lenders are playing in productivity and growth of small businesses, while also supporting car owners during the continued cost-of-living crisis.
Shanika Amarasekara, CEO of the FLA, said: “The latest figures tell a clear story: when finance is available, businesses invest, consumers spend and the economy grows.
“FLA members provided more than £167bn of finance over the last 12 months, supporting investment in productive assets, helping households make essential purchases and driving economic activity across the UK.
“As attention turns to the Autumn Budget, the priority should be to strengthen the conditions for investment. Policies that improve access to finance, encourage business investment and provide greater regulatory certainty would help boost productivity, support competitiveness and unlock stronger long-term growth.”
