Dudley North MP Ian Austin has welcomed a Government advice scheme which has already helped over one thousand local people avoid eviction from their homes.  

The Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme has provided last minute emergency help to homeowners and tenants facing court, including 1230 homeowners from the local area providing free on-the-day advice and representation for those facing repossession.  

 Many homeowners helped by the scheme were able to return home immediately following repossession orders that might have otherwise led to eviction, after receiving specialist advice and ongoing support in order to avoid any future repossession orders.

In future government help will go further to support local people in danger of repossession by guaranteeing them the chance to access court protection when their lender intends to repossess and sell their homes. The proposals will eliminate a legal loophole and prevent any ‘rogue lenders’ repossessing and selling a property without seeking the agreement of the owner or the Courts.

Ian Austin MP said: 

“This scheme has helped many people in Dudley whose homes were put at risk as a result of the recession and I welcome the proposals to protect even more local homeowners and their families.”

 “The Government is committed to helping people through the downturn, and the measures in place to protect and support Dudley homeowners will make a real difference in our community. We have learnt the mistakes of the downturns in the 80s and 90s, this Government will take real action to provide help for struggling homeowners.”

 Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said:

 “Losing your home is one of the most traumatic events anyone can face, and the Government is working hard to ensure that this never happens before borrowers have received all the help available to them, including financial assistance and debt advice.”