Official figures revealed that the UK finally left recession today.
Figures published by the Office for National Statistics revealed that the economy grew by 0.1 per cent in the final quarter of 2009.
However, the increase was less than some commentators had predicted and prompted shadow chancellor George Osborne to criticise the government’s handling of the economic downturn.
Commenting on the fact that the UK was the last of the G20 countries to exit recession, Mr Osborne said: "Gordon Brown’s promise that Britain would lead the world out of recession lies in tatters.
The recession, which lasted six consecutive quarters, has had a major effect on British businesses and has seen many close their pension schemes as a result of spiralling deficits.
This could prompt a number of people to seek alternative and additional ways to fund their retirement such as equity release schemes.
These allow homeowners to boost their income with money taken from the value of their property.
