News about Will Hunt

We first reported this problem at the state-owned savings bank in January, when our man Jeff Prestridge had two out of three Premium Bonds purchased on behalf of his grandchildren and a friend's grandchild were rejected. The bonds were purchased as Christmas gifts, but NS&I said that not all orders would be fulfilled because "evidence of identity requests" sent to the parents was not completed by the time (the country was gripped by postal strikes at the time). No Premium Bond Christmas present for grandson Archie but not for Arthur. Prestridge may not have been the only grandparent or great-grandparent affected by NS&I's stringent vetting policies, as it now appears. Not once, but twice. Ian and Elaine Cleg (pictured), from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, were caught up in the office chaos - not once but twice.

In a meeting with bank chief executives and City watchdog the FCA last week, Hunt urged banks to be as flexible as possible with mortgage borrowers, according to reports. The FCA released new draft guidance for lenders shortly after, stating that they could help their customers suffering through the cost of living by offering them forbearance - where they accept less than the agreed monthly payment - and contract variations. In particular, he is urging banks to extend their mortgage repayment period from 25 years to 35 years, an attempt that has been referred to by the industry as'stretchy mortgages.'