– Scottish Parliament written question – answered at on 9 November 2010.
Question S3W-37182
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take action to prevent repossessions as a result of the decision by the Department for Work and Pensions to cut income support mortgage interest payments by approximately 40%.
We believe that the recent changes to Support for Mortgage Interest will increase the number of home owners in Scotland facing financial difficulty and, potentially, at risk of repossession. However, we have put in place a number of measures to protect home owners in Scotland who are at risk of repossession.
Firstly, we provide funding for the provision of debt advice, to try and help people in financial difficulty at an early stage. Secondly, we operate the Home Owners’ Support Fund, which includes the Mortgage to Rent and Mortgage to Shared Equity schemes, for those who are at risk of repossession and are unable to trade down. Home owners receiving support from UK schemes, and who are still at risk of their homes being repossessed, are entitled to apply for assistance. Thirdly, we have implemented the Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act 2010, which ensures that all repossession cases are subject to court scrutiny (except in cases of voluntary surrender); requires lenders to show in court that they have considered every reasonable alternative to repossession; and allows home owners to be represented in court by approved lay representatives.
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
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