The UK collectively saved £164bn more over the course of the pandemic than 2019 savings might suggest ...

Actual monthly savings

Expected savings based on 2019 average

Excess savings during pandemic

£30bn

May 2020

£22.7bn extra

saved

20

2019 average

£4.6bn a month

10

0

2019

2021

2020

Actual monthly savings

Expected savings based on 2019 average

Excess savings during pandemic

£30bn

May 2020

£22.7bn extra

saved

20

2019 average

£4.6bn a month

10

0

2019

2021

2020

Guardian graphic. Source: Capital Economics/Refinitiv, estimates of household savings held in banks/building societies