Wednesday newspaper round-up: First-time buyers, inheritance tax, Man U, Anglo American

(Sharecast News) - The Conservatives will promise to cut the up-front cost of a home for first-time buyers as a pre-election giveaway to win over younger voters. In what is expected to be a central element of the party's campaign, Michael Gove told The Times that it would "definitely" have a new offer in place before polling day. - The Times Downing Street is considering axing inheritance tax in three months' time in a pre-election giveaway to boost Rishi Sunak's chances of victory. The move is one of a handful of major tax cuts that have been discussed by senior figures in Number 10. - Telegraph

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to ask an external auditor to assess Manchester United's structure and expenditure with a view to a major streamlining exercise, meaning as many as 300 jobs are potentially under threat. Ineos executives have been in discussions with United over the past weeks regarding Ratcliffe's plans before his purchase of 25% of the club becoming official on Christmas Eve, with the club's management already having been reminded to curb rising costs to ensure maximum funds for transfers within the strictures of financial fair play. - Guardian

Anglo American is gearing up to sell a minority stake in Britain's biggest mining project as it seeks to share the cost of the $9 billion development in North Yorkshire. Duncan Wanblad, chief executive of the FTSE 100 miner, told City analysts that it was moving "at pace to find a partner" for the Woodsmith fertiliser mine. - The Times

Retailers have recorded a small pickup in Boxing Day footfall, but visits to stores remained well below pre-pandemic levels as several high street chains stayed shut. Retailers have been braced for weak spending over the Christmas period as the UK economy stagnates amid the cost of living crisis. - Guardian