PROVIDERS of new home information packs (HIPs) aimed at slashing the number of failed housing transactions have agreed acode of conduct to protect consumers.
The voluntary code, launched today by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) will require signatories to sign up to "stringent" standards governing their conduct.
The packs, which will become mandatory from June 2007, will provide potential homebuyers with up-front information and an energy efficiency report.
POVERTY is "scarring" British cities, with around half of children in some urban areas living below the breadline, new figures indicate.
To coincide with aday of action on child poverty, Save the Children has released alist of constituencies with the worst rates of child poverty in the UK.
Inner city areas top the list with more than half of children in Manchester Central described as living in poverty.
PENSIONERS got a break in 2006 - because the downward spiral in annuity rates which will determine their retirement income at last levelled off, says Investment Life and Pension Moneyfacts.
The survey found that a £10,000 pension pot will pay amale aged 60 some £585 per year, slightly more than the figure at the start of 2006. Female rates rose from £538 to £548 during the same period, the lower level explained by women's longer life expectancy.
Given how long it takes to amass £10,000 in apension pot, is it much of an incentive to learn that it generates an income of just £12 per week in retirement?
EVEN if your children are too old to qualify for the Child Trust Fund, you can set aside regular cash for their later years with the Stockplan scheme from The Scottish Investment Trust, one of the longest established investment trusts which invests globally to maximise returns.
After alump sum to launch the plan (minimum £250), parents can invest aminimum £25 per month, and stop-start payments as their finances allow.
Details of Stockplan: A Flying Start on 0800 424422 or online at www.sit.co.uk
