RESPONDING to FSA statistics on mortgage possessions and arrears released today (Tuesday), Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said:
“While we are pleased to see that repossessions are lower than expected, with potential interest rate rises and sweeping public sector job losses on the horizon we must prepare for the very real risk of a second wave of repossessions in the near future.
“So far, both the UK and Scottish Government’s mortgage support schemes have made a real difference in helping people across the UK stay in their homes and it is vital these lifelines stay in place.
“In addition, further legal protections for homeowners are due to come into force in Scotland later this month.
“Yet while we are on the verge of this landmark legislation to prevent repossessions, we still don’t know the depth of the problem in Scotland because the data is not centrally collected. That is why we continue to call for repossession statistics to be published in Scotland.”
Mr Brown added: “We would urge anyone struggling with mortgage or rent arrears to call our free helpline on 0808 800 4444.”
Shelter Scotland is running a series of free training seminars in partnership with the Scottish Legal Aid Board on the forthcoming Home Owner and Debtor Protection Act which comes into force on the 30 September, 2010. Go to www.keepingyourhome.co.uk for more details and to book your place.
Ends/
Notes to Editors:
- FSA statistics: http://www.fsa.gov.uk/Pages/Library/Other_publications/statistics/index.shtml
- Please note these figures are UK-wide. There are no figures available for repossession levels in Scotland. Shelter Scotland continues to call for these to be collected and published.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Shelter Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Nicola Baxter
Phone: 0844 515 2442
Website: http://www.shelter.org.uk
