[Margaret Pilkington]

Like Cashy, I think the HBC would be better in giving those who want to buy a property, a mortgage. I don't think you ever value stuff that you get given....if it is worth something then you should expect to pay something for it.
And this is our money........isn't it? I am sure if the money is going to come from some other source than local taxes then someone will put me right.

Our one and only mortgage was taken out with Clayton UDC......at an interest rate of 7%.....fully paid off many years ago(must be at least 20 years).

I appreciate that first time buyers have a hard task to raise the large deposits required these days, but I cannot see why the rest of the residents of the borough should be chipping in to give them a handout.

If HBC don't want to go into the mortgage business then loan these folk the money for the deposit at a low rate of interest(say 1.5%), taken directly from their paypacket.
Have HBC got so much money that they can fling it about like a drunken sailor?