The Combat Poverty Agency has proposed a savings scheme designed specifically for low-income households. It would require varied savings of £1 to £2.50 per week over a 26-week cycle, and the Government would promote a top-up of £1 for every pound saved, to a maximum of £240 after three years, the agency said. The scheme would also enable people on low incomes to use their savings to apply for a loan from banks, building societies and credit unions, it said. The agency recommended that this separate, but complementary scheme to the savings incentive scheme introduced by the Government earlier this year, should be introduced in this year's Budget.