Blocklisting Application

Blocklisting

Provident Financial plc announces that application has been made to the London Stock Exchange and UK Listing Authority for a block listing totalling 3,000,000 ordinary shares of 20 8/11 pence each.

These shares will be allotted from time to time in accordance with The Provident Financial Long Term Incentive Scheme 2006 (1,000,000 shares), The Provident Financial Performance Share Plan (1,000,000 shares) and the Provident Financial plc Employee Savings-Related Share Option Scheme (2003) (1,000,000 shares).

Emma G Versluys

Deputy Company Secretary

Tel: 01274 351351 ext 1034