IT SEEMS there is quite a bit of house building going on in our area, but mortgages are not being offered to first time buyers due to a lot of people being on furlough.


The time has come to give the property market a helping hand and the government should look at offering 100 per cent mortgages or at least 95 per cent mortgages to young people even if they are on furlough at the moment.


If the mortgage application has been considered and offered subject to return to work, this would help the economy in regard to the housing market.


Many years ago, I remember we were able to obtain a mortgage from the local council (100 per cent) instead of being offered a council house.


To enable the young to step onto the property ladder, they do need a little lift.


The building societies and banks are not considering people on furlough, but the government could step in.


On another note, bonds were offered to over 65s to invest in and thus top up their savings and income so they did not always have to go cap in hand to social for a benefit.


This worked very well, and as a Labour MP on TV this morning mentioned this should be brought in again and the bonds offered to anyone who wished to invest at a interest rate of around four per cent.


This would put money in the government pot so they do not have to borrow so much money at a higher interest rate to get us out of this financial mess after Covid.


I know there are very pressing problems ahead but a look into the further future is needed by the PM and Chancellor.


STEPHANIE VINCENT
Tytherley Green, Bournemouth