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Published Date: 14 May 2008

Caroline Flint didn't mean to reveal the confidential property briefing papers

Government property boss accidentally reveals sensitive info

Housing minister Caroline Flint has accidentally revealed how the government feels about the current state of the property market.

She walked past press photographers yesterday holding confidential briefing papers in her hands, which were photographed by a quick-thinking snapper.

The papers were for a cabinet meeting, and reveal the government expects house prices to fall between five and ten per cent this year.

That's the best case scenario. Ms Flint's notes said that her department didn't really know how bad the situation would get.

They also show that house building in the UK is thought to be stalling, with new starts down 10 per cent compared to a year ago.

The papers end with a fascinating insight into the workings of the government. The final sentence says: "It is vital that we show that at this time of uncertainty we show that we are on people's side".

Caroline Flint's office issued a statement saying she had been caught out, but her briefing note only contained information that was already public.

Last Updated: 13 May 2008 07:17 PM

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