Bond to attract grannies

STROUD & Swindon Building Society has moved to take on the Government's new 7 per cent granny bond by offering a Pensioners Bond, paying 7.05 per cent gross a year for three years. Interest can be paid monthly.

The maximum investment is pounds 20,000 and withdrawals are permitted, subject to a penalty of 60 days' loss of interest.

Bristol & West's offshore subsidiary, based in Guernsey, now offers investors more flexible access to their funds. Its International Premier Account, which pays 7.35 per cent gross on balances of pounds 100,000 or more, will allow instant access, without penalty, of up to 10 per cent of total balance, once every 12 months.

----------------------------------------------------------------- SIX OF THE BEST ----------------------------------------------------------------- Savings Type Account Term 0% 25% 40% Min (pounds) GIB Eurolife 5 years 6.00 6.00 5.10 10,000 B Soc Coventry Instant 7.10 5.35 4.26 25,000 Tessa Hinkley & Rugby 5 years 7.60 7.60 7.60 3,000 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Compounded annual rate except for GIB (guaranteed income bond) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Source: Chase De Vere 071-404 5766 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Mortgages Type Source Deal Variable Northern Rock* 3.5% discounted rate on 90% loans Fixed BNP 6.75% for five years on 85% loans Capped TSB 7.25% on 95% loans for 5 years ----------------------------------------------------------------- * Arrangement fee of pounds 150. Insurance through Northern Rock. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Source: John Charcol 071-611 7000 -----------------------------------------------------------------