She will provide funding to the Housing Rights Service, which will provide specialist advice and support for people in mortgage difficulties.
There is no evidence that home repossessions levels here are higher than in England and Wales. However, there has been a sharper rise here in court repossession orders, which threaten repossession by banks. In England and Wales, protocols determine that courts must ensure a number of actions are taken before people can be issued with a repossession order. Although these could be in place here shortly, Margaret Ritchie wants to do everything in her power to help.
The Minister said: “I want to do everything in my power to keep a roof over people’s heads. Prevention is better than cure. Seeking early advice is the best step that people can take to prevent repossession. People receive repossession orders and immediately think they have to pack their bags. They want to know their rights, alternative options they may have, be it getting their finances on a more even keel or other housing options. This specialist service will help at this traumatic time for them."
Specialist advisors, working in the Housing Rights Service, will provide advice and representation to enable the individuals to remain in their home or, in cases where this is not feasible, assist them to explore alternative housing options.
The Minister concluded: “I call on anyone who is facing repossession to contact the Housing Rights Service. Their telephone number is 028 9024 5640.”
Janet Hunter, the Director of the Housing Rights Service said: “We are delighted that Minister Ritchie has made additional budget available to provide a new mortgage debt advice service. With the increasing number of Northern Ireland homeowners faced with the prospect of losing their homes, there is a very real need for this scheme. We are hopeful that as a result of being able to offer this new service, more families will be able to stay in their homes and avoid the trauma of repossession.”
Notes to Editors:
1. For the last financial year the Department for Social Development has provided £672,878 core funding to the Housing Rights Service towards the delivery of their core objectives which includes the provision of comprehensive advice for those individuals and families in housing need.
2. The Mortgage Advice and Debt Service will direct households to take and act on financial advice to help alleviate their debt problems.
3. Other initiatives to help those struggling with mortgage payments include:
- Pre-action protocols - these are being considered by the courts requiring lenders to show the actions they have taken before seeking an order for repossession.
- Support for Mortgage Interest. Introduced in January this year, this entitles homeowners on Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or income-related
- Employment and Support allowance, to support on mortgage interest payments after 13 weeks.
- Homeowners Mortgage Support which was announced last month is a UK wide Government backed initiative. This Government guarantee scheme is appropriate for home owners who have encountered a short term reduction in income which impacts on their ability to meet their mortgage payments. It will enable homeowners to defer a proportion of their mortgage interest payments for a maximum period of up to two years. The main banks will determine eligibility in accordance with the criteria set by the Government. Potential applicants should approach their lender to see if they qualify.
4. Housing Rights Service can be contacted on 028 9024 5640. Although based in Belfast, it provides advice throughout Northern Ireland, Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.00pm. In addition full details of the services it provides can be found on their website at www.housingrights.org.uk
5. Alternatively those seeking advice may which to contact /consult their local Citizens Advice Bureau or Advice NI office.
6. News media contact DSD Press Office 028 9082 9000 or out-of-hours 07699 715 440.
