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Savers' concerns over the falling value of their deposits will not be eased by January's slight drop in inflation, figures show.
There was a fall in the key Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure of inflation, from 3.1% in December to 3% last month.
However savers are still struggling to get a real return on their money, despite the Bank of England base rate standing at a record low of 1% and inflation falling from its recent high of 5.2%.
Savers' returns have fallen by 83% since July 2007, according to the Building Societies Association.
Some rates available still allow people to get real-term returns on their savings, although financial information website Moneynet.co.uk warns that these "best buy" products are in the minority.
For those who have not yet used their annual £3,600 allowance, cash ISAs can be beneficial as no tax is charged on the interest paid on the accounts. This means that consumers need to receive just over 3% to get a real return.
Returns of more than 3% are currently offered on ISAs from Nationwide, Halifax, Marks & Spencer Money, NatWest and Egg, although in some cases people cannot access their money for up to four years.
The current best buy rate of 3.75% on a cash ISA is offered by Dunfermline Building Society.
Other accounts allowing basic rate taxpayers to get a real return include ICICI Bank UK's HiSAVE one-year bond, requiring a minimum deposit of £1,000 and paying 3.9%. Meanwhile, Coventry Building Society is offering one, two and three-year bonds which pay 3.75%.
West Bromwich Building Society has a high income account for the over-65s, which offers annual returns of 4% and pays interest monthly.
However, there are now very few accounts that offer any real returns for higher rate taxpayers.
HSBC has a regular savings account paying 10%, but to qualify, consumers need to be a Premier, HSBC Plus or Passport customer. Meanwhile, first direct has a regular saver ISA offering 7%, but people must have their current account with the group.
Interest of 6% for the first year on balances up to £2,500 is also paid on the Alliance & Leicester Premier Direct current account.
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