House price 'growth' masking slowdown - papers 4 July

In Greater London prices rose by 4.9% last month, the Halifax said, with Northern Ireland roaring ahead with an increase of 8.5% for June. Northern Ireland is now the most expensive part of the UK to buy property outside London and the South East, the Halifax said. But according to today's figures, surging prices in these economically more prosperous areas are masking real declines in less well-off areas. GORDON BROWN UNWITTINGLY KICKED off the current private equity boom with his controversial decision to scrap the dividend tax credit 10 years ago, one of the industry's leading figur...