Treasury defends Chancellor's Help to Buy scheme

Help to Buy is a targeted scheme designed to help people who aspire to own a home. By increasing mortgage availability it will support the construction of new homes and help to boost the economy.

All mortgages sold under Help to Buy will have to meet clear criteria that ensure responsible borrowing. Nobody wants to see a return to the bad old days of 125% mortgages.

The intention of Help to Buy is absolutely clear - it is for people who want to own their first home or move to a bigger home, not a second home. We're working with the industry on the details of the scheme to do just that.