Servicing strategies of UK non-conforming lenders have developed rapidly since the onset of recession and continue to evolve to reflect the changing economic landscape, according to Fitch Ratings.

The number of house purchase loans rose by 4% in February, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders, but mortgage lending still remains historically low.

The Treasury is to lower the fees paid by participating institutions for use of the Credit Guarantee Scheme. This will make it cheaper for lenders to gain access to government guarantees that help them to gain access to wider market funding.

The long awaited Crosby Report has been widely welcomed although many people have expressed concern that the government will not act quickly enough.

The Financial Services Authority has banned the short-selling of shares in publicly quoted financial companies.

The Bank of England is to extend the drawdown facility for its Special Liquidity Scheme (SLS) until the end of January.