Bellway to review bonus scheme

The UK housebuilder is to consult its shareholders regarding its controversial remuneration policy, which saw more than £600,000 paid out in bonuses as sales fell

Hemscott Editor | 16-01-09 | E-mail Article

National housebuilder Bellway said it is to review its remuneration policy after shareholders criticised more than £600,000 in bonuses that were awarded despite falls in the group’s share price and sales. At the group’s AGM today, Bellway’s board acknowledged the concerns raised over the matter and said it would consult with major shareholders and review future policy in the coming months.

In a statement from the group issued after today’s AGM, the group said: “The board has noted shareholders' views on the Report of the Board on Directors' Remuneration and believes it was wrong in not consulting with major shareholders earlier.” Currently Bellway’s remuneration policy includes an annual bonus scheme, which is capped at 120% of basic salary but which can in some circumstances go to 150% of salary. In the group’s 2008 annual report it stated bonuses to be paid to its three executive directors for the year to 31 July amounted to £632,500.

Although the share price of the UK’s 4th largest house builder fell from a high of some 920p in April 2008 to around 384p by July, it gained ground through the rest of the year, according to the group. Bellway’s share price rose 0.81% in trading today to stand at 562.00p as of 2:15pm.

The housebuilder also noted today it is continuing to feel the effects of the slowdown in the UK’s housing market with cancellations continuing at the historically high level of 24% and its net reservation rates falling 50% below last year’s levels. Despite the falls, Bellway said it still intends to pay a final dividend of 6p per ordinary share.

Bellway chairman, Howard Dawe said: “Since our interim management statement in early December, the Bank of England lending rate has fallen dramatically. To date, we have seen no clear evidence of this reduction having halted the negative momentum in consumer confidence, particularly, in relation to the housing market.”

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