Mortgage brokers, used to a flexible approach from St George Bank, have asked whether the bank is still in control of its lending policies since the Westpac takeover.The issue was raised after St George issued a broker update on December 18, detailing a number of policy changes.The bank has restricted the use of overtime and shift allowances when assessing an applicant's income and it has restricted the extent to which multiple permanent jobs can be assessed.Income from casual jobs is to be excluded from serviceability calculations, and a reduced amount of commission income is to be taken into account. Bonuses are to be excluded from serviceability calculations.The bank also notified brokers that its Quick Start loan, available to first home buyers with no deposit, was being withdrawn.Investors face stricter tests in assessing net income. Borrowers looking for 100 per cent LVR face tougher tests.St George general manager third party and specialist distribution, Steven Heavey, said St George is still running its own show."The policy changes made on December 17 were done after consultation between the credit, product and distribution areas of St George and BankSA. Westpac was not involved in the decision."St George still has its own credit committee. When the last round of home loan rate changes was made St George cut its variable rate by 85 basis points and Westpac by 80."What you are seeing is not a result of the change of ownership. It is a result of the change in market conditions. We have been looking at our lending practices and making sure they are appropriate to the times. "The no-deposit home loan is not offered by Westpac. St George wants to ensure it can still offer a 100 per cent LVR product in a market where most major lenders are not able to do so. The changes we have made will assist our loan to remain in the market."