Money News
8th August 2008
Darling quells stamp duty rumours
Alistair Darling has moved to quell rumours that the government is planning to permit borrowers to take a stamp duty holiday.
Earlier this week the Sun newspaper said that the move was being considered in a bid to stimulate the housing market.
However, in an interview with the BBC's Today programme, Mr Darling said that the government is considering a range of options and when asked directly about the stamp duty plan did not confirm or deny the rumour.
His comments follow an official statement from the Treasury which also poured cold water on speculation about the plan.
The statement read: "Recent news stories suggesting the government has put forward a proposal on stamp duty are simply wrong. These stories are based on speculation.
"As has been said on many previous occasions, the government has made clear that there are a number of options we will need to consider to help businesses and people get through what is undoubtedly a difficult time."
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