Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 December 2007
8. Dividends
| 2007 £'000 |
2006 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year: | ||
| Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2006 of 4.2p per ordinary share (2005: 3.5p) | 13,979 | 12,100 |
| Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2007 of 2.4p per ordinary share (2006: 1.8p) | 7,806 | 5,988 |
| 21,785 | 18,088 | |
| Amounts proposed as distributions to equity holders in the year: | ||
| Proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2007 of 5.6p per ordinary share (2006: 4.2p) | 17,984 | 13,859 |
The proposed final dividend had not been approved by shareholders at 31 December 2007 and therefore has not been included as a liability. The comparative final dividend at 31 December 2006 was also not recognised as a liability in the prior year.
The proposed final dividend of 5.6p (2006: 4.2p) per ordinary share will be paid on 9 June 2008 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 9 May 2008, subject to approval by shareholders.
When the Company pays a dividend to shareholders, there may be income tax consequences. The impact will depend upon the individual circumstances of the shareholder.