Shelter responds to rise in mortgage possession claims across the country

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Friday, 15, Aug 2008 12:00

Shelter responds to rise in mortgage possession claims across the country

In response to new mortgage possession statistics from the Ministry of Justice, Shelter chief executive Adam Sampson today accused mortgage lenders of ‘still using repossession as the first rather than last resort, despite being urged not to’.

Regional and individual County Court figures are available from the Ministry of Justice. See table two and three here:

http://www.justice.gov.uk/docs/stats-mortgage-land-q2-2008.pdf

Mr Sampson also said the MoJ figures could be just the ‘thin end of the wedge’ as new Shelter figures show the proportion of people coming to the charity for help with mortgage possession actions over the past 6 months has increased by 55 per cent.

He added: "Every day Shelter is seeing more and more ordinary hardworking people who are terrified of losing their homes. They’re being punished by rising household bills, escalating fuel charges and food prices that are going through the roof.

"Tens of thousands are living with the fear of having the home they’ve worked so hard for being repossessed by lenders with little compassion."

Mr Sampson warned: "After months of rising repossessions, tumbling house prices, and the fear of negative equity this is further depressing news for homeowners, many of whom must be thinking ‘am I next?’.

"We would urge people who are finding it difficult to meet their mortgage payments to seek advice early. Don’t ignore warning letters from your lender as this only makes matters worse.

"Lenders must play their part and ensure they look at all the options before rushing to the court, and use repossession as the last rather than first option.

"The Government needs to show it really is on peoples’ side when they are facing the threat of repossession."

ENDS

Note to editors:

1. Anyone struggling with the cost of their mortgages or with any other housing problem should go to http://www.shelter.org.uk or call our free housing advice line on 0808 800 4444.

For more information contact:

Michael Haig

Assistant Media Officer

t: 020 7505 2162

e: michael_haig@shelter.org.uk