Big Banks accused of blocking plans to help first-time home buyers

THE big banks were yesterday accused of discriminating against young couples trying to get on the property ladder by refusing mortgages to people building houses on low-cost local authority sites.

The banks’ policy was also described as mean fisted by the chief author of a report proposing measures to reduce property prices.

Oireachtas Constitution Committee chairman Denis O’Donovan said the banks’ stance was hampering Government efforts to assist first-time home buyers.