CML news & views

The debate about income verification has often generated more heat than light. But the FSA needs to be clear about differences between self-cert and fast tracking, the causes of problems in the past, and striking the right balance for the future.

The UK has a £300 billion mortgage funding gap, and faces the threat of loan rationing for many years to come. Governments in the US and Europe are already acting to support their markets. The CML is therefore calling on the UK government to lead efforts to re-open wholesale funding markets for mortgages here.

Now that we're past the immediate crisis, it's a good time step back and look at the bigger picture. That's why the CML is bringing together the industry's key figures for the future housing conference.

Habitat for Humanity is running an emergency appeal to fund its work in Haiti. Guests at our annual dinner in December raised more than £8,400 for our chosen charity.