2:03pm Wednesday 17th March 2010
By Peter Magill
EXTRA help is being given to struggling mortgage payers in Blackburn with Darwen and Burnley after it was revealed the East Lancashire towns are ‘repossession hotspots’.
Housing Minister John Healey has announced an additional £2.5million to tackle the problem of arrears, often prompted by higher levels of unemployment and court repossession orders.
Repossessions in Burnley were five per cent higher in the final quarter of 2009, according to official figures, with 65 households broken up.
The rate of repossessions in Burnley and Padiham is the highest in the north-west, at 1.76 per 1,000 households.
Another 65 households were victims of repossession in Blackburn with Darwen and while this represents a 26 per cent drop, year-on-year, it is still among the most significant rates for the region.
The cash is being spent on advice services to help people get assistance.
Mr Healey said: “With the pressure on homeowners set to remain throughout 2010 we must keep the Government support in place.
“Cutting that special help now would put an end to these special efforts now would put more families at risk of repossession.
“So I am extending the Government’s campaign so people know they can get free impartial and practical advice, both online or over the phone.”
Neighbouring Bury and Bolton will also benefit, alongside larger city authorities like Manchester, Salford and Liverpool.
Worried homeowners can call the National Debtline, for free advice and support, on 0808 808 4000.
And those at risk can also log on to the government’s advice website, at www.direct.gov.uk/mortgagehelp, for more assistance.
The government said it has also teamed up with local citizens advice bureaus to provide more targeted advice.
Last September, the government also launched the “It’s Your Home” campaign, to encourage homeowners to get the help they need and avoid losing their home.
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