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Question: 5.3.5. Does the lender want to receive environmental or contaminated land reports?
| Lender | Answer |
|---|---|
| Accord Buy to Let | No |
| Accord Mortgages Ltd |
No. |
| Adam & Company |
No |
| Adam & Company International |
No |
| Aldermore Bank PLC | No, unless the report indicates matters requiring further investigation or if the content is likely to affect the security. |
| Allied Irish Bank (GB), a trading name of AIB Group (UK) | If enquiries reveal concern regarding environmental or contaminated land issues, Refer to AIB Group (UK) plc, Central Securities (GB), 92 Anne Street, Belfast, BT1 3H |
| Atom Bank plc | No, unless specified in the mortgage offer or unless the valuer asks in his valuation report (and a copy of the valuation report is sent to you), or if such reports indicate that our security may be adversely affected. If you obtain an environmental or contaminated land report which contains information you believe will affect our security please forward a copy of the report with your recommendation. |
| Aviva Equity Release UK Ltd |
Yes |
| Bank of China | No unless the valuer asks in his valuation report and then please report full details of any concerns to mortgages@bank-of-china.com |
| Bank of Ireland (UK) plc | Yes, but only if they have been obtained as a result of any contaminated land entries revealed in the Local Authority search. |
| Bank of Ireland as Bank of Ireland Mortgages | Yes, but only if they have been obtained as a result of any contaminated land entries revealed in the Local Authority search. |
| Bank of Scotland Beginning A | No |
| Bank of Scotland Beginning O | No |
| Barclays Bank UK PLC | Not desktop reports but any intrusive or investigative reports should be referred to the Issuing Office. |
| Birmingham Midshires |
No |
| Bluestone Mortgages | No, unless specified in the mortgage offer, or if such reports indicate that our security may be adversely affected. |
| Bradford & Bingley Limited |
If you obtain an environmental or contaminated land report which contains information you believe will affect our security please forward a copy of the report with your recommendation. We require any such reports to be site-specific. |
| Britannia, a trading name of The Co-operative Bank plc | NO, unless the valuer asks in his valuation report(and a copy of the valuation report is sent to you) and please report full details of any concerns to Britannia New Lending Britannia House Leek Staffordshire Moorlands ST13 5RG or Britannia New Lending DX16351 Leek |
| Chelsea Building Society (a trading name of Yorkshire BS) | No. |
| Clydesdale Bank plc | No, but you should draw our attention to any environmental issue that comes to your attention. |
| Co-operative Bank plc |
No, unless the valuer asks in his valuation report and the request for an environmental or contaminated land report is set out as a special condition in the Mortgage Offer, a copy of which you will receive. Please report full details of any concerns to us as per the contact details referred to in 1.11a earlier. |
| Coutts |
No |
| Coventry Building Society |
Generally no. In relation to Japanese Knotweed: Whether you need to report the presence of Japanese Knotweed will depend on which Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) category it falls into. The RICS categorisation system changed from 23 March 2022 when new guidance was issued and now consists of Management Categories A-D. The corresponding Risk Category number from the previous system is shown in brackets below (Risk Categories 1-4). You do not need to make the Society aware of Japanese Knotweed in the following circumstances: • Where it falls within RICS Management Category C or D (or Risk Category 1 or 2) • Where a treatment plan has been carried out previously • Where the subject property is currently undergoing treatment for Japanese Knotweed and falls with RICS Management Category A or B (or Risk Category 3 or 4), we will rely on you to check the authenticity of the treatment plan, completion certificate and guarantee. You will need to satisfy yourself that: i. The treatment plan is carried out and monitored by an appropriately qualified individual or company (i.e. the Property Care Association (PCA) or the Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association (INNSA)). ii. All recommended remedial works undertaken are covered by an insurance backed guarantee. iii. This insurance backed guarantee must be for a minimum of 5 years from the point treatment plan has finished, be property specific and transferable to subsequent owners and mortgagees in possession. For block flats, this insurance backed guarantee must be specific to the block and in the name of the applicable freeholder and/or management company. You do need to advise us if the presence of Japanese Knotweed falls within RICS Management Category A or B (or Risk Category 3 or 4) and one or more of the above requirements (i-iii) cannot be evidenced. In these circumstances: • RICS Management Categories A or B. The offer will be withdrawn • Risk Categories 3 or 4. We will require a new and updated specialist’s report dated within the last 3 months and carried out by INNSA or PCA. This will be referred to our internal valuers for comment to establish whether a treatment plan is still required. Where this is found to be the case, the offer will be withdrawn The 2022 RICS Guidance Note can be found here: https://www.rics.org/globalassets/rics-website/media/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/real-estate/japanese-knotweed-and-residential-property-1st-edition-feb-2022.pdf RADON GAS You do not need to report to us if the local search reveals that the property is in a radon gas area. You should however advise the applicant that in some circumstances radon gas is considered to be a health hazard and that we recommend that a test be carried out by Public Health England (PHE) and that any recommendations for remedial work are carried out. You should also advise the applicant that further information on how to manage radon in buildings can be obtained from the UKradon website. The application can proceed provided the applicants have been informed and are happy to proceed at their own risk. |
| Darlington Building Society | No |
| DB UK Bank Ltd | No |
| Ecology Building Society | No |
| First Direct |
Japanese Knotweed - Japanese Knotweed - You will need to advise the Bank if you become aware that there is, may be or has previously been Japanese Knotweed identified on or near the property (within 3m of the boundary) and this is not noted on the valuation. Where Japanese Knotweed has not been identified within the boundaries of the property to be mortgaged to the Bank, but is present on neighbouring land within 3 metres from the boundary, we will rely on the Valuer to assess if there is any impact on the valuation. Where Japanese Knotweed has been identified within the boundaries of the property being mortgaged to the Bank, we can only proceed if any damage to outbuildings, paths and fences is minor. We will rely on the Valuer to assess whether there is any visible damage to structure or outbuildings, or whether it is causing any restrictions to the access of amenity space. If the answer to either of these is yes, a Japanese Knotweed Survey is required and we will require the following: • A Treatment plan which has been fully completed by an appropriately qualified person or company such as an accredited member of an industry recognised trade association such as the Property Care Association and the Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association • A Completion Certificate that confirms the weed has already been fully remediated with a minimum 10 year insurance backed guarantee in place which should commence on the date of completion of treatment • A copy of the treatment plan, completion certificate and guarantee are to be provided to the Valuer for their confirmation that the property is suitable for mortgage security and whether there is any impact on the valuation of the property |
| Foundation Home Loans | No; unless the result of your searches and enquiries identifies any matter which may affect our security in which case please forward the report together with your recommendations. |
| Furness Building Society | Only if such reports indicate that the Society's security may be adversely affected or if they are a requirement of the offer of mortgage. |
| GE Money Home Lending Ltd | GE Money Home Lending has withdrawn from the UK mortgage market. |
| Godiva Mortgages Ltd |
Generally no. In relation to Japanese Knotweed: Whether you need to report the presence of Japanese Knotweed will depend on which Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) category it falls into. The RICS categorisation system changed from 23 March 2022 when new guidance was issued and now consists of Management Categories A-D. The corresponding Risk Category number from the previous system is shown in brackets below (Risk Categories 1-4). You do not need to make the Society aware of Japanese Knotweed in the following circumstances: • Where it falls within RICS Management Category C or D (or Risk Category 1 or 2) • Where a treatment plan has been carried out previously • Where the subject property is currently undergoing treatment for Japanese Knotweed and falls with RICS Management Category A or B (or Risk Category 3 or 4), we will rely on you to check the authenticity of the treatment plan, completion certificate and guarantee. You will need to satisfy yourself that: i. The treatment plan is carried out and monitored by an appropriately qualified individual or company (i.e. the Property Care Association (PCA) or the Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association (INNSA)). ii. All recommended remedial works undertaken are covered by an insurance backed guarantee. iii. This insurance backed guarantee must be for a minimum of 5 years from the point treatment plan has finished, be property specific and transferable to subsequent owners and mortgagees in possession. For block flats, this insurance backed guarantee must be specific to the block and in the name of the applicable freeholder and/or management company. You do need to advise us if the presence of Japanese Knotweed falls within RICS Management Category A or B (or Risk Category 3 or 4) and one or more of the above requirements (i-iii) cannot be evidenced. In these circumstances: • RICS Management Categories A or B. The offer will be withdrawn • Risk Categories 3 or 4. We will require a new and updated specialist’s report dated within the last 3 months and carried out by INNSA or PCA. This will be referred to our internal valuers for comment to establish whether a treatment plan is still required. Where this is found to be the case, the offer will be withdrawn The 2022 RICS Guidance Note can be found here: https://www.rics.org/globalassets/rics-website/media/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/real-estate/japanese-knotweed-and-residential-property-1st-edition-feb-2022.pdf RADON GAS You do not need to report to us if the local search reveals that the property is in a radon gas area. You should however advise the applicant that in some circumstances radon gas is considered to be a health hazard and that we recommend that a test be carried out by Public Health England (PHE) and that any recommendations for remedial work are carried out. You should also advise the applicant that further information on how to manage radon in buildings can be obtained from the UKradon website. The application can proceed provided the applicants have been informed and are happy to proceed at their own risk. |
| Halifax | No |
| Halifax Loans Ltd | No |
| Hampden & Co. plc | Yes. |
| Handelsbanken | Yes, but only if the reports indicate matters requiring further investigation or if the content is likely to affect the security. |
| Hodge | Only in cases where further enquires are recommended in the report or where the valuer asks in his valuation report for enquiries to be made or the Property Enquiry Certificate indicates that the land is listed in the contaminated land register. |
| Hodge Equity Release | Only in cases where further enquires are recommended in the report or where the valuer asks in his valuation report for enquiries to be made or the Property Enquiry Certificate indicates that the land is listed in the contaminated land register. |
| HSBC UK Bank plc |
Japanese Knotweed - You will need to advise the Bank if you become aware that there is, may be or has previously been Japanese Knotweed identified on or near the property (within 3m of the boundary) and this is not noted on the valuation. Where Japanese Knotweed has not been identified within the boundaries of the property to be mortgaged to the Bank, but is present on neighbouring land within 3 metres from the boundary, we will rely on the Valuer to assess if there is any impact on the valuation. Where Japanese Knotweed has been identified within the boundaries of the property being mortgaged to the Bank, we can only proceed if any damage to outbuildings, paths and fences is minor. We will rely on the Valuer to assess whether there is any visible damage to structure or outbuildings, or whether it is causing any restrictions to the access of amenity space. If the answer to either of these is yes, a Japanese Knotweed Survey is required and we will require the following: • A Treatment plan which has been fully completed by an appropriately qualified person or company such as an accredited member of an industry recognised trade association such as the Property Care Association and the Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association • A Completion Certificate that confirms the weed has already been fully remediated with a minimum 10 year insurance backed guarantee in place which should commence on the date of completion of treatment • A copy of the treatment plan, completion certificate and guarantee are to be provided to the valuer for their confirmation that the property is suitable for mortgage security and whether there is any impact on the valuation of the property |
| HSMS |
If you obtain an environmental or contiminated land report which contains information you believe will affect our security please forward a copy of the report with your recommendation. We require any such reports to be site-specific. |
| Intelligent Finance | No |
| ITL Mortgages |
Generally no. In relation to Japanese Knotweed: Whether you need to report the presence of Japanese Knotweed will depend on which Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) category it falls into. The RICS categorisation system changed from 23 March 2022 when new guidance was issued and now consists of Management Categories A-D. The corresponding Risk Category number from the previous system is shown in brackets below (Risk Categories 1-4). You do not need to make the Society aware of Japanese Knotweed in the following circumstances: • Where it falls within RICS Management Category C or D (or Risk Category 1 or 2) • Where a treatment plan has been carried out previously • Where the subject property is currently undergoing treatment for Japanese Knotweed and falls with RICS Management Category A or B (or Risk Category 3 or 4), we will rely on you to check the authenticity of the treatment plan, completion certificate and guarantee. You will need to satisfy yourself that: i. The treatment plan is carried out and monitored by an appropriately qualified individual or company (i.e. the Property Care Association (PCA) or the Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association (INNSA)). ii. All recommended remedial works undertaken are covered by an insurance backed guarantee. iii. This insurance backed guarantee must be for a minimum of 5 years from the point treatment plan has finished, be property specific and transferable to subsequent owners and mortgagees in possession. For block flats, this insurance backed guarantee must be specific to the block and in the name of the applicable freeholder and/or management company. You do need to advise us if the presence of Japanese Knotweed falls within RICS Management Category A or B (or Risk Category 3 or 4) and one or more of the above requirements (i-iii) cannot be evidenced. In these circumstances: • RICS Management Categories A or B. The offer will be withdrawn • Risk Categories 3 or 4. We will require a new and updated specialist’s report dated within the last 3 months and carried out by INNSA or PCA. This will be referred to our internal valuers for comment to establish whether a treatment plan is still required. Where this is found to be the case, the offer will be withdrawn The 2022 RICS Guidance Note can be found here: https://www.rics.org/globalassets/rics-website/media/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/real-estate/japanese-knotweed-and-residential-property-1st-edition-feb-2022.pdf RADON GAS You do not need to report to us if the local search reveals that the property is in a radon gas area. You should however advise the applicant that in some circumstances radon gas is considered to be a health hazard and that we recommend that a test be carried out by Public Health England (PHE) and that any recommendations for remedial work are carried out. You should also advise the applicant that further information on how to manage radon in buildings can be obtained from the UKradon website. The application can proceed provided the applicants have been informed and are happy to proceed at their own risk. |
| Kensington Mortgage Company Ltd |
No, unless the Offer states otherwise. |
| Landbay Partners Limited | No. Where one is required you should be satisfied that it confirms no risk to us and that it is retained for information. Please also note that we may obtain cover for this on a search indemnity basis. |
| Landmark Mortgages Limited | No. |
| Leeds Building Society | No. The Borrower must feel satisfied that the contents of the Environmental Report meets their requirements and that they are happy to proceed in full knowledge of what is reported. |
| Legal & General Home Finance Ltd | No not unless an issue is highlighted in the property enquiry certificate. |
| LendInvest | No, If you obtain an environmental or contaminated land report which contains information you believe will affect our security please forward a copy of the report with your recommendation. |
| LiveMore Capital | No, unless the Offer states otherwise |
| Lloyds Bank plc pre fixed 40 | No |
| Lloyds Bank plc pre fixed 50 | No |
| Lloyds TSB Scotland plc | No |
| M&S Bank |
Japanese Knotweed - You will need to advise us if you become aware that there is, may be or has previously been Japanese Knotweed identified on or near the property. Where Japanese Knotweed has not been identified within the boundaries of the property to be mortgaged to us, but is present on neighbouring land over 7 metres from the boundary, we will rely on the valuer to advise whether the property is suitable security. Where Japanese Knotweed has been identified within the boundaries of the property being mortgaged to us or on neighbouring land within 7 metres of the boundary, but is more than 7 metres from the habitable space being used as security, we can only proceed if any damage to outbuildings, paths and fences is minor. We will rely on the valuer to confirm whether a Japanese Knotweed Survey is required and will require the following: • A fully paid up Treatment plan which has commenced with an appropriately qualified person or company such as an accredited member of an industry recognised trade association such as the Property Care Association and the Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association • A minimum 10 year insurance backed guarantee can be provided on completion of the works. Where Japanese Knotweed has been identified within 7 metres of a habitable space at the property (either within the boundary of the property being mortgaged to HSBC or on neighbouring land) and/or the Japanese Knotweed has caused serious damage to outbuildings, paths and boundary walls, a Japanese Knotweed Survey is required in addition to the following: • A Treatment plan which has been fully completed by an appropriately qualified person or company such as an accredited member of an industry recognised trade association such as the Property Care Association and the Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association • A Completion Certificate that confirms the weed has already been fully remediated with a minimum 10 year insurance backed guarantee in place All documents relating to Japanese Knotweed will be provided to the valuer for their confirmation that the property is suitable for mortgage security and whether there is any impact on the valuation of the property. |
| Magellan Homeloans | If you obtain an environmental or contaminated land report which contains information you believe will affect our security please forward a copy of the report with your recommendation to the address in 1.11. |
| Masthaven Bank | No, unless specified in the mortgage offer, or if such reports indicate that our security may be adversely affected. |
| Metro Bank Plc | Only if such reports indicate that the Bank's security may be adversely affected or if they are a requirement of the offer of mortgage. |
| Mortgage Agency Services | Yes |
| Mortgage Express |
If you obtain an environmental or contiminated land report which contains information you believe will affect our security please forward a copy of the report with your recommendation in accordance with 2.3. We require any such reports to be site-specific. |
| Mortgage Express No 2 |
If you obtain an environmental or contiminated land report which contains information you believe will affect our security please forward a copy of the report with your recommendation in accordance with 2.3. We require any such reports to be site-specific. |
| National Westminster Bank plc |
No. Nor do we require copies of any ancillary reports that you have requested for the borrower. The reports must be provided to the borrower who must make full disclosure of any risks to the insurer prior to completion. They must obtain insurance under normal terms. HS2: You do not need to make us aware of proposed proximity of the property to HS2 unless this is less than 300 meters. Mining entry: You do not need to make us aware of a mining interpretive report unless you become aware of an entry less than 20 meters from the property. |
| Nationwide Building Society |
We do not require environmental or ancillary reports (e.g. flooding, energy and infrastructure reports) that you have requested for the borrower, even if adverse information is revealed, provided the borrower is aware and you have advised them that full disclosure must be made to the insurer prior to completion and they must obtain insurance under normal terms. We also do not need to be made aware that the property is in close proximity to HS2. EPC: We do not need to be made aware of the EPC rating: MATTERS THAT MUST BE REPORTED TO US You must report to us contaminated land issues from the local search which have not been remedied. RADON GAS: Area details: If a local search highlights that the property is in a radon gas area, we do not need to be made aware, however the applicants must be advised, and the case can proceed at their own risk. Property Specific: If a local search reveals that the subject property has been highlighted as having a high radon level, then please refer this to us and we will seek advice from the valuer. MINING: Please send us any mining report which shows a mine entry or adit within 20 meters of the property or if there has ever been a subsidence claim. For these cases we will also need an interpretive report and buffer report so please provide all of these reports at the same time. |
| Nedbank Private Wealth Ltd | The instruction letter will tell you if we want environmental or contaminated land reports. They are also to be provided if recommended by the valuer. |
| New Street Mortgages |
No, but you must report any material issues which could affect the proposed security |
| NRAM Ltd | No |
| Paragon Buy to Let Mortgages |
Yes, you must carry out contaminated land searches and environmental searches appropriate to the Property, its location and any use or former use of the land on which it is situate. Please place these with the title documents. You will need to advise us if you become aware that there is, may be or has previously been Japanese Knotweed identified within the boundary of the property or within 7 metres of the boundary. We will only consider lending once the weed has been eradicated and a completion certificate for the treatment has been issued together with a guarantee for a minimum period of 10 years. The documents will need to be submitted to us for consideration and we will refer to our valuer, who will follow the RICS guidelines to assess the risk, before we confirm whether we will be able to proceed. |
| Platform (a trading name of The Co-operative Bank p.l.c.) |
NO, unless the valuer asks in his valuation report(and a copy of the valuation report is sent to you) and please report full details of any concerns to office issuing mortgage instructions |
| Precise Mortgages (Charter Court Financial Services Ltd) |
No. Where Japanese Knotweed (the “Weed”) has been identified within the boundaries of the property being mortgaged to us, we can only proceed if, prior to Completion of the loan, the Weed is: a) categorised as Category C (pursuant to the relevant RICS guidance in force and as amended from time to time) whereby the Weed is not preventing use of or restricting access to amenity space and any damage to outbuildings, paths and fences is minor; and b) subject to an appropriate management/treatment plan in place before Completion. If the Weed is Category C, you must satisfy yourselves that the Borrower has provided: • a transferable treatment plan issued by an appropriately qualified person or company such as an accredited member of an industry recognised trade association such as the Property Care Association and the Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association (“Qualified Person”). Such plan to be provided to the valuer prior to Completion of the loan for confirmation that the Property is suitable for mortgage security and whether there is any impact on the valuation of the Property; and • a transferable completion certificate issued by a Qualified Person that confirms the weed has already been fully remediated with a minimum 10 year insurance backed guarantee in place which should commence on the date of completion of treatment. Such certificate and guarantee to be provided to us or yourselves either prior to Completion of the loan, if available, or as soon as possible after completion of the treatment in accordance with such plan. If the Weed has been identified as Category D, whereby the Weed is outside the boundary of the Property, we can proceed without a treatment plan. |
| Rooftop Mortgages Ltd |
No, unless the valuer requests such reports in his valuation report. In which case you should send such reports to the address and contact details shown on the mortgage offer. |
| Sainsbury's Bank | No, although please let us know immediately (using the contact details given in 1.11a above) if the property enquiry certificate discloses any information relating to contaminated land. You should not submit your Certificate of Title until such time as we have confirmed we are happy to proceed. |
| Santander UK plc |
No, unless the valuer asks in his valuation report (and a copy of the valuation report is sent to you) for enquiries to be made. If he does then you should send details to us. |
| Scottish Building Society | Yes, if such reports indicate that the Society's security may be adversely affected of if they are a requirement of the mortgage offer. |
| Scottish Widows Bank | No |
| Skipton Building Society | No, except where matters requiring further investigation are indicated in which case please send the Consultants Certificate only. |
| St James Place Bank | No |
| The Mortgage Business | No |
| The Mortgage Lender Limited | No, but you should draw our attention to any environmental issue that comes to your attention. |
| The Mortgage Works |
We do not require environmental or ancillary reports that you have requested as a result of the initial report, even if adverse information is revealed, provided the applicant is aware and full disclosure has been made to the insurer prior to completion and insurance can be provided under normal terms. We also do not need to be made aware that the property is in close proximity to HS2. MATTERS THAT MUST BE REPORTED TO US You must report to us contaminated land issues from the local search which have not been remedied. EPC: You must inform us if the property is F or G rated. RADON GAS: Area details: If a local search highlights that the property is in a radon gas area, we do not need to be made aware, however the applicants must be advised, and the case can proceed at their own risk. Property Specific: If a local search reveals that the subject property has been highlighted as having a high radon level, then please refer this to us and we will seek advice from the valuer. MINING: Please send us any mining report which shows a mine entry or adit within 20 metres of the property or if there has ever been a subsidence claim. For these cases we will also need an interpretive report and buffer report, so please provide all of the reports at the same time. |
| The Royal Bank of Scotland plc |
No. Nor do we require copies of any ancillary reports that you have requested for the borrower. The reports must be provided to the borrower who must make full disclosure of any risks to the insurer prior to completion. They must obtain insurance under normal terms. HS2: You do not need to make us aware of proposed proximity of the property to HS2 unless this is less than 300 meters. Mining entry: You do not need to make us aware of a mining interpretive report unless you become aware of an entry less than 20 meters from the property. |
| The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Direct Line Mortgages | No |
| The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Direct Line One | No. |
| The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active |
No. |
| The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Natwest one Account |
No. |
| The Royal Bank of Scotland plc One Account |
No. |
| The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Virgin One |
No. |
| Topaz Finance Ltd | Not usually, however, we would expect you to carry out all the usual and necessary enquiries in accordance with any guidelines issued by the Law Society in Scotland. If you have any concerns as a result of your enquiries and searches, please contact Mortgage Services for further instructions. |
| TSB Bank plc | No |
| UCB Home Loans Corporation Ltd |
No - but any adverse comments should be reported to the contact point at 1.11a |
| Ulster Bank |
No Nor do we require copies of any ancillary reports that you have requested for the borrower. The reports must be provided to the borrower who must make full disclosure of any risks to the insurer prior to completion. They must obtain insurance under normal terms. HS2: You do not need to make us aware of proposed proximity of the property to HS2 unless this is less than 300 meters Mining entry: You do not need to make us aware of a mining interpretive report unless you become aware of an entry less than 20 meters from the property. |
| Vida Homeloans | No, unless the Offer states otherwise. |
| Virgin Money |
No. |
| Whistletree (a trading name of TSB Bank plc) | No |
| Yorkshire Bank Home Loans Ltd | No, but you should draw our attention to any environmental issue that comes to your attention. |
| Yorkshire Building Society | No |