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HEALEY EXTENDS REPOSSESSIONS CAMPAIGN (News (General))
by administrator 
, Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 04:46
Housing Minister, John Healey has extended the Government's campaign to help struggling homeowners get a grip on their finances and avoid repossession.
In a major extension of the campaign to promote the free help and advice available, the Minister announced a new advertising drive and local mortgage help events in 56 repossession hotspot areas. He also announced local promotion of a special helpline and website in an additional 30 hotspot areas with high risk of repossession.
With the pressure on families likely to remain high throughout 2010, the Government is working with the Citizens Advice service to run a string of local help events in 56 repossession 'hotspots', so that struggling homeowners can get impartial face-to-face help and advice to keep their home. Radio and local press advertising in all 56 areas will also promote the free telephone advice line and special website to help homeowners struggling with their mortgage payments.
The mortgage help awareness events, which will be held in public areas, will offer on-the-spot advice to local families. The first events will take place in Birmingham, Peterborough and Salford - anyone wishing to visit an advice event in their area should contact their local Citizens Advice Bureau.
To ensure that as many families as possible get the help they need, Healey has confirmed that a further 30 hotspot areas will be targeted in a new advertising drive. New advertisements will be played on the local airwaves encouraging listeners in all 86 hotspot areas to visit the Government's repossessions help website.
Councils in the 86 hotspot areas will also receive a £2m boost to the Preventing Repossessions Fund, which means councils can help struggling homeowners tackle their arrears and get back on top of their finances.
Healey said: "With the pressure on homeowners set to continue this year, I'm determined that they get the help they need. That's why I'm extending our campaign so families across the country can get the free, impartial advice they need online, on the phone or on the high street. And it's why I'm boosting councils' coffers in the high risk areas so they can ensure people get the individual, flexible support they may need.
"The comprehensive range of Government help available - and tougher rules on lenders - will mean that repossessions remain the last resort."
Citizens Advice Chief Executive, David Harker said: "January is often a stressful time of year for families, who have to cope with the demands of paying for Christmas and increased fuel bills. This is a good time to think about how to manage your debts and talk to your lenders. The key thing is not to bury your head in the sand and don't be embarrassed to seek help if you need it."
