<p><strong>Mortgage backed securities</strong> </p> <p>It is believed that the government will launch its Mortgage backed securities programme on April 22 to coincide with the Budget. The launch is being eagerly awaited: “If it works, we will see a good deal more money pouring into the mortgage market,” said John Stewart, HBF’s director of economic affairs. “However, there is uncertainty over whether investors will buy the securities in a falling housing market,” he warned. “There are mixed views about the measure in the financial world.” In January, following a recommendation within the Crosby report on the mortgage market, the government agreed to provide full or partial guarantees to triple-A rated asset backed securities as a way of kick starting the mortgage market. </p> <p><strong>NEXT KEY DATE:</strong> The government will implement its mortgage backed securities scheme in April </p> <p><strong>Changes to the appeals process in the planning system</strong> </p> <p>As of April 6, changes to the appeals process in the planning system will be implemented. Presently, applicants (only those who made the application for planning permission) can decide whether they wish to pursue written representation, an informal hearing or a public enquiry. As of this month, the Planning Inspectorate (PI) can use …