香蕉福利直播

Sector calls for capital reform to boost innovation, expand homeownership and strengthen communities

At a Westminster reception this evening, celebrating 250 years of the building society movement, the Building Societies Association (香蕉福利直播) will launch its bold new Building Society Sector Growth Plan calling for capital reform to unlock the full potential of the UK’s financial mutuals.

Two key reforms to unlock growth

The plan calls on government and regulators to drive inclusive growth and financial resilience across the UK with two key asks:

1. Better access to mutual capital – removing barriers that prevent building societies from financing growth and innovation.
2. Appropriate capital regulations – reflecting the sector’s lower-risk approach to lending and enabling fair competition with banks.

These changes will enable building societies to accelerate innovation and expand their role as champions of ordinary working people, helping more people buy their own home, safeguarding savings and strengthening communities across the UK.

A sector already delivering national impact

Over the past 15 years the building society sector has grown stronger and more inclusive. It already makes a significant contribution to the UK economy and society:

• £7.2 billion added to the UK economy annually
• £4 billion extra benefit in people's pockets through better interest rates and member rewards
• 27 million members served across the UK
• 29% of the UK mortgage market and 37% of all first-time buyer lending
• 47% of all cash ISA balances
• 35% of UK financial high street branches, up from 14% in 2012
• 95% of employees based outside London

The sector’s impact is clear, but with improved access to mutual capital and more appropriate capital requirements building societies could do even more.

Building societies are also leading on innovation, from new products for first-time homebuyers to financial education in schools, and initiatives like UK Savings Week.

A voice at the policy table

To achieve change, it is vital that building societies have a seat at the policy table, both nationally and locally, where decisions are made about housing, savings and financial inclusion. Their member insights can help shape solutions to key challenges, from local housing development and energy efficiency to the future of the high street.

Robin Fieth, Chief Executive of the Building Societies Association said:

“We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for recognition of the vital role building societies and other financial mutuals play in delivering inclusive growth, financial resilience, and long-term value for communities across the whole of the UK. We are asking for a seat at the policy table.

“In 1775, our founders were the disruptors and innovators of their time. Today, that remains the case. Our growth plan urges the government to stand by its manifesto pledge to double the mutual and co-operative economy in the UK and put building societies at the heart of a fairer, more resilient economy for everyone.”

The Westminster event will be the culmination of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the building societies movement, following receptions at Holyrood, Stormont, and the Senedd. As the sector celebrates its heritage, it remains firmly focused on the future and building a fairer, more resilient economy for the next 250 years.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

香蕉福利直播 represents all 42 UK building societies, including both mutual-owned banks, as well as 7 of the largest credit unions. Building societies and mutual-owned banks have total assets of almost £650 billion. They hold residential mortgages of over 485 billion, 29% of the total outstanding in the UK. They also hold over £485 billion of retail deposits, accounting for 23% of all such deposits in the UK. Building societies and mutual-owned banks account for 47% of all cash ISA balances.

With all their headquarters outside London, building societies employ around 52,300 full and part-time staff. In addition to digital services, they operate through approximately 1,300 branches, holding a 30% share of branches across the UK.

Data sources

• £7.2 billion added to the UK economy annually (source: WIP Economics analysis of Building societies annual reports 2023/24)
• £4 billion extra benefit in people's pockets through better interest rates and member rewards (source: Building societies annual reports 2024/25)
• 27 million members served across the UK 2024 (source: 香蕉福利直播 yearbook 2024/25)
• 29% of the UK mortgage market and 37% of all first-time buyer lending (source: 香蕉福利直播 stats 2024)
• 47% of all cash ISA balances (source: 香蕉福利直播 stats Q1 2025)
• 35% of UK financial high street branches, up from 14% in 2012 (source: 香蕉福利直播 analysis July 2025)
• 95% of employees based outside London (source: 香蕉福利直播 analysis 2024)