News.Scotland.Org

January, 25

With the decline in the rate of the mortgage sanction in recent months, there are clear chances that the price of houses would drop down in coming months. The recent reports from the British Bankers Association suggested that it is the first time till last ten years the mortgage for buying property has fallen to such a low.

If we look at the record of BBA, the gross mortgage lending with remortgages were £15.1 billion last month, which was down by 22.2 percent on Dec 2006 and £1.4 billion lower than last November. This steep decline in the mortgage rates is hinting towards a fall in the prices of houses in near future.

Many economist and bankers suggests that if this downward trend continues, then it will affect the economy on long run. Another major reason for this change is said to be the credit crunch blocking the way for banks to raise money. The increased borrowing cost and lower disposable income is also making the mortgage percentage at a lower level. Also the market has changed a bit with lenders becoming a bit stringent on the part of their lending measures due to the credit crunch.

Now with such a situation in the market one has to see whether this present swing will continue for a long in the coming months. If that happens then it is for sure that the prices for houses will be at a record low and will be a big transformation and something to worry for the banks.

Scotland, Jan 25: In an attempt to overcome the obesity problem the Scottish government will take initiative to provide free fruit to pregnant women and pre-school children. A budget of £40m is earmarked for this purpose that extends to the period of three years. The project also includes giving lifestyle, diet and fitness guidance to patients to instil clear understanding about healthy living in them. Besides this a weight-loss programme named Counterweight is at present implemented in Tayside, Lothian and Lanarkshire on a trial basis in future it will be extended nationwide.

While commenting on this the Health Secretary, Nicolas Sturgeon said: “Obesity is posing a huge threat to our nation’s health. The plans aim to boost the Scottish government’s initiative to create awareness about healthy living. The fund allocated for this purpose will encourage healthy weight, healthy eating and physical activity initiatives.”

Ms Sturgeon further added that: “As a nation we all have to play a vital role in overcoming our unhealthy approach towards food, weight and physical activities. We would like to provide a congenial atmosphere that encourages people to make healthy choices in what they eat and be more active in everyday life. Behaviour change will not happen all of a sudden it will take time. By giving higher priority to the rising level of overweight adults and children in Scotland we can address the issue effectively.”

Healthy eating habits will help to build healthy citizens; in this regard the new initiatives will have a far reaching impact.