Nationwide calls on Chancellor to act

Graham Beale, chief executive at Nationwide, said: "Alistair Darling will now have the opportunity to put through real reform that could help hard-pressed homebuyers and savers alike. By index-linking annual ISA limits to maintain their true value over time and moving stamp duty thresholds in line with house price inflation, he could give a clear signal to hard-working families that he is committed to really improving their finances."