More action needed to ensure that homeowners don't rely on repossession 'safety net'

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th Jun 2008

Speaking ahead of the Welsh Liberal Democrat debate on home repossession this afternoon, Peter Black, WLD spokesperson for Housing said:

"I welcome Monday's announcement by the Deputy Minister for Housing to give an additional £5 million to the Assembly Government's mortgage rescue scheme, however I want to see more action from the Government than just throwing money as a final "safety net" to ensure that people don't face repossession of their homes.

"Before any repossession ruling can be made, the court should be satisfied that the borrower has had the opportunity to gain independent advice on their debt problems.

"We should be establishing a protocol to ensure that, before possession is awarded, that all possible steps have been taken to ensure that all other options have been considered and I urge the Government to support the Welsh Liberal Democrat motion in full.

"Currently, not enough people are provided with help with their financial difficulties before repossession cases go to court. Advice surgeries and help lines, as well as additional support for Citizens' Advice Bureaux are needed now more than ever"