More than 200 York residents receive aid in battle to beat eviction threat

9:09am Thursday 19th November 2009

By Mark Stead

MORE than 200 people in North Yorkshire have been spared from losing their homes as they battle to cope with the credit crunch thanks to an emergency scheme.

Figures have shown that a last-ditch initiative aimed at rescuing homeowners and tenants from the threat of eviction helped cut mortgage possession orders in York, Selby and across Ryedale by 14 per cent between July and September this year.

Housing Possession Court Duty Schemes, which are run by the Legal Services Commission (LSC), allowed 202 residents in these areas to keep a roof over their heads after they struggled to meet their mortgage and rent demands in April to September.

The service – including an initiative operating from York County Court, which covers cases from these areas – provides free, immediate legal advice and representation to people whose financial woes have left them at risk of being thrown out of their homes.

Carolyn Regan, chief executive of the Legal Services Commission, said: “The repercussions of the economic downturn have affected many people in York, and many are struggling to make their mortgage or rent payments.

“This is why this scheme, along with other Government initiatives, are so critical.”

The Housing Possession Court Duty Schemes are part of a wider package of support which also involves providing help with mortgage interest payments.

Last December, City of York Council launched a Mortgage Rescue Scheme – run through the “Golden Triangle”, a partnership between local authority housing and planning teams in York, Leeds and Harrogate, as well as the Home and York Housing Associations – which provides equity loans to those under threat of being made homeless.

Lord Bach, the Legal Aid Minister, said: “Many people are struggling to stay on top of their bills at the moment and I want to make sure anybody facing eviction or repossession of their home has access to the legal advice and representation they need.

“The advisors behind this programme do an excellent job in what is often the 11th hour of a crisis situation. The benefits of the scheme aren’t just limited to the debtors, as it also has the potential for saving court staff and judicial time by acting early and promoting the use of alternatives to court.”

More information is available by phoning the Community Legal Advice helpline on 0845 345 4345 or visit communitylegaladvice.org.uk

Those looking for help can also text “legalaid” and their name to 80010 and they will be called back.