01 September 2016

Barclays first bank to scrap LOBO loans

Barclays has become the first bank to scrap high interest Lender Option, Borrower Option (LOBO) loans for councils.

The move will see more than 100 LOBO loans - thought to be worth around £8bn - converted into fixed-rate loans.

A spokesperson for Barclays said: ‘Under the changes Barclays is permanently waiving its 'lender option' to amend the interest rate at given periods. This will create certainty for the client for the duration of the loan, by locking in the fixed rate for its lifetime.’

Overall, around 240 local authorities have taken up to £15bn in LOBO loans from private banks, which charge interest rates of more than 7% in some cases.

To date, residents from 24 different local authorities have mounted legal objections to their use, claiming the loans are ‘irrational’ expenditure and therefore unlawful.

The spokesperson added: ‘Over a hundred local authorities and housing associations will benefit from greater certainty that their borrowing costs will not rise in future. They will also enjoy reduced break costs than there would have been had Barclays retained its right to change the interest rate. The original value they secured when taking out the loan at rates lower than those available publicly at the time, is now locked in for the lifetime of the loan.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HR Onboarding Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
You have an opportunity to be part of a busy Human Resources team which offers HR support across the Council. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner