Number seeking housing debt help in North trebles in year

The number of people seeking housing debt help in the North trebled in a year, it was revealed today.

Last year there were more than 13,900 enquiries to the Housing Rights Service charity.

With the economic slump leaving many in fear of their jobs, the group will today help launch an initiative at the courts to prevent repossession.

Nicola McCrudden from the Service said: “With a 300% increase in demand for our specialist debt service there is no doubt that this initiative is needed.

“Demand for our representation service is already considerable and this makes our policy work all the more important. In essence what we aim to do is ensure that less people end up in court in the first place.”

The number of mortgage arrears issued in the North between July and September has almost doubled from the same period the previous year.

A total of 1,006 writs and summonses were issued compared to 521 in 2007.

Not all cases led to eviction or repossession.

Ms McCrudden, policy manager, added: “While we have been fortunate to secure funding from mainly charitable sources, we do not have limitless resources.

“In the longer term there needs to be a concerted and co-ordinated effort from Government and lenders to safeguard homes. We need to remember that figures and statistics represent real people.”