A survey by Lloyds TSB International, carried out among 1,034 UK expats based in the 10 most popular expat destinations, found that 69 per cent of them plan to stay away indefinitely, a 13 per cent increase from those taking that view a year ago. According to official data, 5.5 million UK citizens live outside the country.

The findings, while not necessarily indicative of how all expats feel, highlight how wealth managers may need to engage with clients who want to spend more time outside the UK than they might have previously thought.

Expats say they have a better quality of life abroad. Some 74 per cent hold this view against just seven per cent who say it was better in the UK. These expats claim they are financially better-off – 64 per cent, against just 12 per cent who say they were wealthier in the UK. And some 52 per cent say their cost of living is lower abroad, while only 24 per cent say it is now more expensive.

A few weeks ago, a survey by the same firm found that the August riots in major cities such as London and Birmingham may have encouraged more UK citizens to emigrate, or contemplate a departure.

“Expats have an enlightening view of the UK, having experienced life both home and away,” said Tony Wilcox, managing director – Expatriate Banking, Lloyds TSB International. “So it’s worrying that life in Britain appears so bleak when viewed through their eyes,” he said.

“From economic woes to August’s riots, the UK has faced a catalogue of bad news in recent months. Coupled with expats’ view that the quality of life is higher and they are financially better-off abroad, it’s not surprising that so many have cancelled their plans to return to the UK,” Wilcox said.

Expats also think their country of residence is a better place to raise children: 51 per cent hold this view against only 11 per cent who disagree. The schools are better, their neighbourhoods are safer, there are more places for children to play and activities to do. And many expats appreciate the chance that living abroad gives their children to experience another society and culture, while also learning a foreign language in most countries.

The survey was conducted online in September 2011. The countries involved are: Australia, Spain, the US, Canada, France, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, the UAE and Hong Kong.