UK dividends jump 10%

UK dividends saw their biggest rise since the Lehman crisis after payouts climbed 10% in Q1, Capita Registrars research has found.

The rise to £15bn, 10.3% higher than the first quarter of 2010, was boosted by a special payout from International Power and BP's resumption of quarterly payments, the Financial Times reports. International Power's special payout totalled 92p a share - or £1.5bn - following its takeover by GDF Suez in February. BP's return to the dividend list also contributed, although its payout was £1bn less than last year. Capita Registrars has now raised its dividend forecast for 2011 to £64.2bn,  an 8% increase on 2010's total £56.5bn. "Income investors are set to enjoy the best year since 20...