“Can I get a refund for the HECS I’ve already paid in full?” one user wrote on X, echoing hundreds of similar comments across social media.

Another wrote, “I paid my HECS debt off myself, early. Could you please give relief from my current debt situation or at the very least refund the monies paid — with interest of course.”

A third said, “Can I get a partial refund on the HECS that I already struggled to pay off in full? Or are you going to double-whammy me by not only having to pay my own student debt but now take my taxes to pay off others’ student debts? Presumably to buy votes.”

But…

Laos is in serious economic trouble.

The developing South-East Asian country borrowed big — mainly from China through the Belt and Road Initiative — to fund an ambitious infrastructure program.

With the goal of becoming the region’s “battery”, it built about 80 hydropower dams on the Mekong River and its tributaries.

But the revenue from the infrastructure is yet to flow through and the debt repayments are mounting up.

Laos’ total government-guaranteed domestic and international debt reached $US13.8 billion, or 108 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product, last year.

About half the $US10.5 billion owed to other countries is owed to China — though the details of the loans have remained opaque.

It begs the question, could Laos…

Student loans can reduce your home loan borrowing power, but not in the way you may expect.

More than three million Australians have HECS university debts or similar government-supported study loans, with the average loan worth about $26,500.  

But as home prices rise and saving for a home deposit gets harder, home buyers are looking at different ways to boost their borrowing power to get into the property market sooner, including weighing up whether to clear their student loans.  

Mortgage Choice broker Larissa Barton said many home buyers had student debts, and they often worried about the size of their debts.  

“The size of your HECS debt has no direct impact on your borrowing capacity, it’s actually the income that you’re…

Katie Price’s income from TikTok has recently faced suspension due to her mounting bankruptcy issues, following directives from the court. This new ruling aims to facilitate the payment of her debts stemming from two bankruptcy declarations, the most recent occurring earlier this year.

The 46-year-old model’s TikTok proceedings were halted by Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Catherine Burton, who defined this measure as “appropriate.” While this setback could potentially hinder her financial recovery, Price’s TikTok presence has reportedly remained strong, having garnered over 1.6 million followers.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe

Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe 

Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana 

• Officials way back in April 2022 insisted SL not bankrupt but opted for debt standstill
• Country continued to honour multilateral debt servicing and borrowed fresh funding, a phenomena not possible if SL was bankrupt 
• Main Opposition SJB scoffs at move by Wickremesinghe to claim SL is no more bankrupt as an election gimmick
• Says a sovereign’s ability to repay external debt is regularly announced to the world by independent credit rating agencies; not by any politician
• Says Sri Lanka will get out of default rating only after the ISB exchange is completed
• Opines MLB-heavy ‘April Proposal’ is detrimental…

The company which owns two parcels of the Cliftonville Lido has moved from administration to creditors’ voluntary liquidation – with a deal underway to buy the Lido sites for £700,00.

Company Stour Side Developments bought property including the Lido in 2014.

Administrators Duff & Phelps were brought in during July 2017 after concerns over business irregularities were highlighted.

Stour Side Developments was owned by Russian businessman Alexander Andreev who acquired 100% of the share capital in the company in 2010 and was appointed its sole director. In 2014, Paul Eley was appointed as its second director.

In 2014, the company (Stour Side Developments and Stour Side Investments)  acquired two plots at the Lido,…

Phil Vickery, the former England rugby captain, has declared bankruptcy, revealing debts amounting to £100,000 to a company now in liquidation.

The former tighthead-prop is a former professional rugby player who made a significant impact on the sport during his illustrious career.

Renowned for his formidable presence on the field and exceptional skills as a prop, Vickery achieved numerous accolades, including winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup with the England national team.

The 48-year-old, residing in Bath, applied for bankruptcy via debtor’s petition last month.

His management consultancy firm, Vix Limited, is undergoing liquidation, with Vickery owing the company £97,806. Additionally, Vix Limited has…