[pjc50]

No, but you can hold them through the standard range of intermediaries and still get the tax advantage.

NS&I offer a range of retail products - https://www.nsandi.com/guaranteed-returns is a good option but does NOT come with the tax exemption.

[monkeydust]

the tax exemptions make it very attractive place to hold cash versus bank accounts - if your a UK citizen google (or AI) - low coupon gilt investing.

[pjc50]

Eh, for most people it's simpler to just use a cash ISA which can provide almost the same rates. Most people don't want or need to carry a huge cash float as opposed to other kinds of investment.

[zipy124]

That only works if the capital is already in an ISA or you want to invest less than £20k (soon to be 12k) though. It is common to use gilts to build a gilt ladder to have some level of guaranteed income for older/retired people. This allows you to build your own cheap annuity.

[gpderetta]

Well, yes, but after maximizing an ISA that's still an option. Also the government is clamping down on cash ISA.

[cjrp]

I think they're clamping down on cash held in Stocks and Shares ISAs, not Cash ISAs.