Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson (Post 899915)

It's looking like it could well be an interesting count this year.

Originally Posted by JCB (Post 899919)

Which votes will be counted first , the referendum or local election votes ?

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson (Post 899923)

I know there definitely counting the local election votes on the night. I'm not sure what there doing with the Referendum votes. It could be they'll be counted on the Friday afternoon,which as been the norm in the past when there's been two votes on the same day. The count will take longer this year of course , because they'll have to separate the referendum votes from the local election votes, because they'll be in the same box.

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 899864)

There is nothing wrong in using a small part of it as an incentive to first time buyers, as long as the Council is sure that it is targeted on people who a) don't have the resources themselves to fund the deposit and b) will have the pride in owning the property that ensures they look after it and improve the overall area.

Originally Posted by SamF (Post 899933)

The a) part there bothers me,it should be for all first time buyers or none otherwise its just another case of those who don't put the effort in get it given.

To be honest though I don't see the benefit, yes the average house price may be £70,000 but there are also plenty of houses for £30-40k, no they aren't in very good areas but you know what, if you can't afford a 70k house then that's the choice you have to make, when will it be realised that if you can't afford it you don't spend it.

My girlfriend and I graduate in June and if both manage to find professional employment can save up a deposit within 9 months and pay off the mortgage within 7 years and that is by going for the bottom end of the ladder - the houses at £30-40k(Which in another 12 months are going to be more like £30k-£35k). We could probably "afford" a mortgage up to 100k but there is no way we could afford the deposit and why does everyone seem to need to take the maximum available to them and stretch themselves to the limit, start low, pay that off and then move on up, knowing you've got something to fall back on .... rant from a first time buyer