The bar chart illustrates the net worth of the UK between 2000 and 2010, measured in billions of pounds, across households, businesses, government and the UK as a whole.
Overall, household wealth and total UK net worth increased considerably, despite some fluctuations, whereas businesses remained in negative territory throughout. Government net worth was comparatively small and declined from a surplus to a substantial deficit.
Household net worth stood at about £4,500 billion in 2000 and, after a slight dip, rose steadily to approximately £6,800 billion in 2007. It then fell sharply to £5,800 billion in 2008 before recovering to a peak of £7,000 billion in 2010. The UK total followed a similar upward trend, rising from roughly £3,800 billion to £6,400 billion in 2007, dipping in 2009, and ending at around £6,500 billion.
By contrast, business net worth deteriorated from approximately -£900 billion in 2000 to around -£1,500 billion in 2006-07, before recovering somewhat. Government net worth fell from about £200 billion to approximately -£700 billion by 2010.
