HOUSEHOLDERS in Kirklees are spending more on improving their homes, a survey claims.

Figures from Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance showed that homeowners in some parts of Yorkshire, including Huddersfield, Bradford and Harrogate, has increased spending on home improvements by 50% compared with a year ago.

Top of the list for house proud purchasers were conservatories, kitchens and bathrooms followed by white goods such as washing machine and dishwashers.

Gerald Grimes, divisional managing director of Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance, said: "We are seeing a growing trend with homeowners across the Yorkshire region looking to add value to their homes by investing in their properties inside and out.

"During the property boom, people were releasing equity or taking out loans to finance purchases. However, in the current climate when funding is much tighter, it seems local homeowners are using point of sale finance to make changes to their home."

Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance has a 27 year history, providing consumer finance to more than 1,200 UK high street retailers and offering a comprehensive range of in-store and online finance products for quality retailers.