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MPs to question Sanjeev Gupta over Greensill collapse

A parliamentary committee led by MPs will launch an investigation into the impact of the Greensill Capital collapse on Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance.

The steel tycoon's business dealings are expected to come up for investigation before the business select committee.


The steelmaker is now looking to arrange new financing after Greensill's collapse dented the finances of GFG, leaving the UK arm of Liberty Steel, which employs around 5,000, fighting for survival.

The High Court next week was due to hear winding-up orders issued by creditors against three Liberty Steel companies. The hearings now being delayed, would potentially force the companies into liquidation.

Labour MP Darren Jones, the committee’s chairman, said the committee will probe GFG's unusual business structure and dependency on Greensill Capital.

“This episode has ... raised a catalogue of concerns relating to corporate governance, audit and supply-chain finance.

"As a committee, we will want to examine whether reform is needed in these areas and, additionally, access to and use of tax-payers money, including Covid-related support, and whether adequate checks-and-balances were put in place in return for support from the Government,” Jones was quoted as saying.

The government had earlier rejected a reported £170m bailout request from Gupta over concerns about the "opaque" nature of his company.

"Liberty Steel will fully support the committee's inquiry and looks forward to contributing to the committee’s work to secure a sustainable future for the UK steel industry and the skilled jobs, local communities and critical supply chains which depend on it," a spokesperson said on Tuesday (27).

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UK house price growth slows to 0.3 per cent in October.

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UK house price growth slows as buyers delay decisions ahead of budget

Highlights

  • Average UK house price rose 0.3 per cent in October to £272,226, down from 0.5 per cent growth in September.
  • Annual house price growth edged up to 2.4 per cent, with market remaining resilient despite mortgage rates being double pre-pandemic levels.
  • Buyers delaying purchases amid speculation that November budget could introduce new property taxes on homes worth over £500,000.
British house prices grew at a slower pace in October as buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of the government's budget announcement on 26 November, according to data from mortgage lender Nationwide.

The average house price increased by 0.3 per cent month-on-month in October to £272,226, down from a 0.5 per cent rise in September. Despite the monthly slowdown, annual house price growth accelerated slightly to 2.4 per cent, up from 2.2 per cent in the previous month.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, said the market had demonstrated broad stability in recent months. "Against a backdrop of subdued consumer confidence and signs of weakening in the labour market, this performance indicates resilience, especially since mortgage rates are more than double the level they were before Covid struck and house prices are close to all-time highs".

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