Pendle MP Gordon Prentice has welcomed the new campaign being launched by the government to further publicise the advice and help available for householders worried they may come under threat of repossession.

Speaking from Westminster, the MP said “Over 300,000 households have already received help and advice with their mortgage over the last year  and 136,000 are now benefiting from lenders offering more tolerant terms. The programme is clearly working as the Council of Mortgage Lenders has revised its forecast for repossessions this year down by over a quarter.”

“Now John Healey, Minister for Housing and Planning, has told me he is expanding efforts through national and local advertising to include more areas where people are at a higher risk of losing their home.”

“This is in addition to changes to regulations designed to make sure consumers know what help they can expect from lenders if they get into difficulty, and thus to ensure repossession is a last resort.”

“The new rules will also mean lenders have to consider if borrowers can benefit from help such as the Homeowner Mortgage Support Scheme and the Mortgage Rescue Scheme.”

A new website www.direct.gov.uk/mortgagehelp can provide tailored information on help and protections available.