GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES DEBT ADVICE INITIATIVE

In an attempt to further help those struggling with the high levels of debt, Housing Minister John Healey today launched an intensive drive to help struggling homeowners in ‘repossession hotspots’ get a grip on their finances and save their homes.

Selected as one of twenty-two hotspot nationwide, Sandwell will be targeted by the Government as having a higher risk of repossession. This is largely due to high levels of unemployment and a rising number of court orders for repossessions.

So from this week, advertisements highlighting the range of Government support available to homeowners will appear in local newspapers, online and on billboards.  It is the second stage of the national Mortgage Help campaign John Healey launched last month.

Concerned homeowners can go to www.direct.gov.uk/mortgagehelp or call the National Debtline free on 0808 808 4000, where they can get impartial advice, find out the steps they can take to keep their home and prepare an action plan to tackle their own finances.

Speaking after today’s announcement, Adrian Bailey MP said:

“It is important that those facing money problems are given all the help and advice they need by the Government. I welcome todays announcement by the Minister and would urge all constituents facing problems to call the debtline today.”

John Healey said:

“Over 300,000 people have benefited from the range of Government support available at every step of the way, from free debt advice to help with mortgage interest payments and, for the most vulnerable, the Mortgage Rescue Scheme.

“I want other struggling homeowners to follow in their footsteps, go to our website or make that call to the National Debtline for details of the comprehensive range of support that’s available.”