Thrifty Loans

Will the bank cut the base rate?

Stock markets around the world greeted the US Federal Reserve’s decision to cut its interest rates by 0.5% with glee this week. Share prices soared, and the queues to withdraw savings from Northern Rock disappeared after the UK government declared that it would ensure all savings accounts. After the half-percent cut in the US, there [...]

Continue reading...

Inflation down again in August

In amongst all the bad news from the credit crunch and Northern Rock’s difficulties, CPI annual inflation – the Government’s target measure – was down to 1.8 per cent in August, from 1.9 per cent in July. The biggest contributors driving down inflation came from reduced costs of financial services, as some lenders cut their [...]

Continue reading...

Housing boom is over

The housing boom in the UK has been one of the most significant drivers of the economy in the last ten years or so. Now, however, with rising interest rates, the credit squeeze and consumer confidence falling through the floor, the decade of uninterrupted growth is about to come to a grinding halt. There are [...]

Continue reading...

New home incentives from Government for green field building

The Government is keen for councils to build new houses; so keen that it is dangling a £500m carrot to those who can help solve the UK’s housing crisis. For others, however, will loom the threat of having to raise councils tax bills if they refuse to sanction building on green fields. Gordon Brown wants [...]

Continue reading...