Metro Bank's bizarre mortgage application question that probes homebuyers on their narcotics usage

The process of obtaining a mortgage is notoriously complex, and it's expected that banks will have their fair share of queries. However, Metro Bank has caused some raised eyebrows with its inclusion of a question about narcotics expenditure on its mortgage application form.

The affordability check section on the form aims to get an insight into the lifestyle and spending habits of potential borrowers, assessing how much money they have remaining after outgoings to manage mortgage payments.

While the thoroughness of the check may be commendable, the extent Metro Bank has gone to has proven to be somewhat startling. Nevertheless, Metro Bank stands by its phrasing, clarifying that the question was intended to gauge expenditures on prescription drugs, not illicit substances.

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Katy Eatenton, a broker at Lifetime Wealth Management, discovered this unusual question while completing a Metro Bank form for a client. Among the routine questions about 'clothing and footwear' and 'housekeeping' costs, she noticed one that probed into the applicant's spending on 'alcohol drinks, tobacco and narcotics'.

This has set off alarms; as per the Collins dictionary, "narcotics" typically refer to pain-numbing, sleep-inducing drugs such as opium or heroin, and in broader terms especially American English any illegal drug. Nonetheless, mortgage brokers are interpreting this query as delving into individuals' use of recreational drugs, reports the Daily Star.

Katy Eatenton was incredulous, remarking: "I couldn't believe my eyes when completing a Metro application recently: alcohol, tobacco and narcotics had its own line item on their budget planner. Spending £200 a month on real ale is not the same as £200 a month on crack cocaine. I'm all for inclusivity, but is this really the route we should be going down? It leaves prospective borrowers in a very awkward position as to how to respond."

Patricia McGirr, the founder of Repossession Rescue Network, shared her thoughts with Newspage: "It's a whole new world when your Friday night pint gets lumped in with meth on your mortgage application. You might enjoy a fine pint of Guinness at the local but does ticking the same box as a cartel kingpin suggest lenders think your regular tipple is an inevitable descent into a very different type of black gold."

Simon Bridgland, Director of Release Freedom, suggested that Metro Bank may have overlooked the nuances in the form before distribution. He posed a question: "The use of the word narcotics conjures up all sorts of images. Does this mean lenders actually think borrowers are now going to start fessing up to 'recreational drug use' on an application? If they did, would this simply kick out an application? ".

Ranald Mitchell of Charwin Mortgages humorously commented: "Ah, just what UK mortgage affordability forms were missing-narcotics! Because, of course, when you're applying for a mortgage, the first thing lenders need to know is how much you're spending on your weekend 'trips'. Never mind income or credit, let's make sure we track every last penny you might spend on that 'high' life."

He went on to humorously ask: "What's next? A line-by-line breakdown of how much you blow on the nose candy vs. the wacky baccy? It's as if the banks are saying, 'Forget financial responsibility! We just want to make sure you're not getting *too* addicted to the dream of homeownership'."

He quipped further: "Maybe they'll start offering fixed-rate mortgages with a side of detox advice. One small step for lenders, one giant leap for a society where your substance of choice affects your interest rate. Honestly, this new level of scrutiny? It's really hitting rock bottom."

Justin Moy from EHF Mortgages, however, suggested that including a question about narcotics in mortgage applications was likely an oversight. He suspected the form might have been mistakenly copied from versions used in the United States.

He remarked: "I suspect this has slipped through the Document Proofing Department, as Metro has cut several positions recently so this must have been one of those key roles. Lifted from an American budget planner, this says as much about plagiarism as societal change. Is there space for Sky Betting on the budget planner? ".

In response to queries about the wording, Metro Bank insisted there was no mistake. A spokesperson clarified: "The category refers only to repeat prescription costs and other recurring medical expenses. We always take the time to explain this to brokers to make sure there are no misunderstandings."