§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to increase the level of saving in the UK economy. [79095]
§ Ruth KellyThe Government recognise the importance of saving and asset ownership in providing individuals with security, comfort in retirement and long-term independence and opportunity. The Government is implementing a saving strategy focusing on three central strands
creating the right environment for saving by maintaining macroeconomic stability ad establishing a well regulated and efficient market in financial services;creating the right incentives for saving by ensuring that the tax and benefit system does not unfairly penalise savers and by assisting those on lower incomes; andensuring that people have the information and financial literacy they need to make the right saving choices.Statements on the progress of specific policies will be provided in the pre-Budget report.