05/07/2007

Interest rates hiked to 5.75%

Interest rates have risen by 0.25% to 5.75% in the fifth rise since August 2006.

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee said that the rise had been due to evidence that inflationary pressures remained "elevated."

The lending rate, now at the highest level since 2001, will mean mortgage misery for homeowners, but the Bank of England is keen to get inflation back under the 2% government target.

Mortgage lenders have continued to report rising house prices which have resulted in an annual rise above 10%. Though Wales reported a drop of 2.8%.

(SP/JM)

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