Instant access ISA rates at 1%
3 year ISA bonds at 1.4%
5 years ISA bonds at 1.7%

Inflation at 2.3% which would erode capital. I perceive a instant access at 1% to be better value than locking myself into 5 years at 1.7% as rates will rise start to rise soon.

I'm looking for alternative investments ideas. The critierial are:
1. Capital must not be at risk (or nearly no risk) as I have enough exposure to UK equities I don't want any more.
2. Happy to lock my money up for up to 5-10 years
3. Must be inside an ISA wrapper

I'm considering corporate bonds on highstreet names where it appears I could do a little better. Would this make sense?

We are all in the same boat. :-)) Need to look in the crystal ball for interest for the next 5/10 years. I would hope they would get back to 6/7% . I tend to think we are living in a false economy with such low rates at present. I can only speak for myself but I would not lock money up at todays rates for the next 5-10 years. As you say all spells bad news at present, with low interest rates and inflation starting to bite into your savings.
Very difficult times.

The choice is currently for ISA's around 1% on instant access, a tiny bit more on a 120 notice account or 1.4% for locking up 3 years. My perception is an extra 0.4% for locking up for 3 years is pretty poor and as I'll take my chances on rates rising.

I've got a few quid with RCI - 1.10% gross, instant access.

Keep in shares. :-))

Pick a spread of FTSE 100 share with a history of paying their projected yields (highs) and reasonable PEs (7-15?).

Run trailing stop losses above expected yields. Wobble the stop loss near div ex-dates.
Check against sector projections.

Cross your fingers.

First Renault and now Ford

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/money/savings-banking/new-ford-money-promises-to-keep-rates-steady-for-loyal-savers-11364174770929

On the basis interest rates will probably rise over the next few years, find the best 1 year rate and take that, then reassess in a year. I am sure institutions would love to have your money for ten years now, at a rate far below that at which they will lend it out again. It's a hassle to keep switching, but that seems the best way to get a good deal at the moment.

It seems we are all in agreement then that we don't want to lock money up on 3-7 year bond rates as we all think interest rates are going to rise (which is not in agreement with future market bond rates).

I started this strategy about 15-18 months ago. My expiring ISAs I have transferred into a 120 notice account which was at 1.55% but is now 1.2%. It's not open to new investors but they have been accepting transfers in. It was kind of a half way house for me. I can give notice if rates start rising but at 1.55% offered some kind of return for the liquidity. 1.2% isn't great but could be worse.

Trouble is all my other ISA's between 2.5% and 3.0% start to expire over the next 12-18 months and I don't want all of it at 1.2%.

Not many options it seems.

Every £1000 in your ISA earns £12 a year. One investment I have matched or slightly done better with is premium bonds. You may win nothing or you could win every month.
Always guaranteed your original investment back. At the end of the day you can win from £25 - £100000 . I wonder what the Bank gets from lending out each £1000 a year?
At the end of the day you nearly feel like hiding it under the mattress. I did think at a stage they would charge you interest for an ISA. lol

DC's bed ...... I agree ,premium bonds ..

Good to see you back Jimmy. I have won 11 out of the last 12 months. Seem good for me.

Cheers DC , i hope you mean premium bonds and not the FTSE comp or there is definitely something going on !

That would be going some . :-))

I wish you well Jimmy, sounds like you have really been through it. Take it easy and rest.

Cheers DC .

And get your entry in for May FTSE. :-))