More than 48,000 people have used the government’s Help to Buy scheme, which gives access to cheaper mortgage loans, since it started in October 2013, official figures show.
Repay child benefit, says taxman
About 30,000 parents have been sent letters by HM Revenue & Customs demanding they repay hundreds of pounds in child benefit — even though many of them might not have to. Child benefit is tapered if at least one parent earns £50,000 a year or more. HMRC admits some people who receive the letter might not need to repay as one partner or spouse could already have done so without telling the other. In such cases the letters should be ignored, it said.
Ukraine news boosts Footsie
The FTSE 100 rose 25 points to end the week at 6,855, as investors’ concerns over the Ukraine conflict eased following news of a ceasefire with pro-Russian rebels.
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Over a year shares are up 6.2% (up 10% with dividends), while Halifax’s house price index was up 10.2%.
Over three years shares are up 30% (up 45.3% with dividends), while Halifax’s house price index was up 12.2%.
Over five years shares are up 41.8% (up 69.5% with dividends), while Halifax’s house price index was up 14.4%.
Euro boost falls short
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"ECB’s changes are not enough for growth to surge back into euro area" - Trevor Greetham at Fidelity on the European Central Bank cutting interest rates