THE launch of new Government-backed National Savings and Investments Bonds for pensioners has been welcomed by Keighley MP Kris Hopkins.

The new bonds for people aged 65 and over will offer market-leading rates and support people who rely on their savings in retirement.

“This is great news for pensioners in Keighley,” Mr Hopkins said.

“It is very important that savers are rewarded and these bonds do that by giving older savers the certainty and comfort of a good return over the life of their investment.”

Two bonds are being launched – a one-year bond will offer returns of 2.8 per cent gross/AER interest, and a three-year bond will pay four per cent gross/AER interest.

A total of £10 billion has been made available to allow these bonds to be issued with the aim of ensuring they are on the market for months, giving pensioners who wish to take advantage of the rates plenty of time to do so.