Name of applicant:

Provident Financial plc

Name of scheme:

Provident Financial plc share option schemes

Period of return:

From:

16/01/2008

To:

15/07/2008

Balance of unallotted securities under scheme(s) from previous return:

3,139,270

Plus:  The amount by which the block scheme(s) has been increased since the date of the last return (if any increase has been applied for):

-

Less:  Number of securities issued/allotted under scheme(s) during period (see LR3.5.7G):

20,916

Equals:  Balance under scheme(s) not yet issued/allotted at end of period:

3,118,354

Name of contact:

Emma G Versluys, Deputy Company Secretary

Telephone number of contact:

01274 731111 extension 2569