UK mortgage approvals and total lending to individuals climbed in September, according to the Bank of England. The number of loan approvals for home purchases jumped to 56,215 from 52,970 in August. The total also stayed above the average over the previous six months. The total net lending to individuals increased £700m (US$1.16bn) in September. The growth rate over 12 months stayed at 0.8%, but the three-month annualized growth rate increased by 10bps to 3%. Secured lending excluding the effects of securitiazation increased by £3.5bn from the £2.9bn increase in August and the six-month average of £2.6bn, according to the Bank of England. Reflecting similar lending results, the Building Societies Association (BSA), which represents mutual lenders and deposit takers in the UK, reported an increase in gross lending to £1.6m in September from £1.4m in August. But despite the increase, UK activity remains subdued compared to a year ago, according to the BSA. Adrian Coles, the BSA’s director-general, said lending activity recovered in recent months when compared to the beginning of the year as buyers and sellers creep back into the market. “However, lending is still at levels much below that of previous years, and the slight recovery remains fragile,” Coles said. Write to Jon Prior.