Building societies and non-residents

THERE must be many Brits like me who keep some pounds in the UK to fund visits, family presents, the Bank of Mum and Dad and so on.

Why is it so hard to find a building society prepared to take our cash? Nearly all of them confine themselves to UK residents only – Britannia and Chelsea are honourable exceptions.

Is there a list available of societies prepared to take our money? Also – my local taxman has just asked me to declare Premium Bond winnings for 2008. Be warned....

Barry COX, by email

A spokeswoman for the Building Societies Association said many building societies had small catchment areas and would exclude even people in the UK, let alone France. A central list of those that accept non-residents is not available.
The British Banking Association has a list of UK banks who open accounts for non-residents, although it looks incomplete – www.tinyurl.com/ukaccts