Recession has hit NW hardest

Yorkshire Bank's quarterly housebuyers survey has found that 70% of those in this region have changed their lifestyles significantly due to the economic downturn.

The study revealed that 66% of those in the region are actively reining in their spending and are more conscious of their outgoings.

Almost a third (32%) of those questioned in this region also claim to now be saving for bigger purchases instead of using credit and more than a quarter (26%) said they are trying to add to their savings on a monthly basis.

Overall, the results of the survey showed that almost two thirds (64%) of Brits surveyed have had to change their lifestyle due to the current economic crisis.

More than half of those surveyed (57%) said they are thriftier when it comes to seeking discounts and bargains, 32% stay in more often while almost one in four (24%) of Brits said they are planning to forgo a foreign holiday this year.

Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank's head of retail banking, said: "The current economic situation has inevitably changed people’s attitudes towards spending and saving. However, the survey has revealed that people are now adopting a more prudent approach to money and this is a positive change."