Mortgage Repossessions rise in York

3.19.00pm GMT Thu 14th Feb 2008

Too many families in York are losing their homes because of difficulties over mortgage payments, as a growing number of court orders are issued which lead to people's homes being repossessed.

Recent figures, published last week by the Department for Justice, show that 510 orders for home repossession were made in York in 2007 - an increase of 10% since 2006.

The overall figures across the country show a marked increase in the number of home repossessions in 2007, up 28% since 2006 and the highest figure since 1998.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Housing, Cllr Sue Sunderland, said, "510 home repossession orders means 510 families being turfed out of the house they have lived in, often for many years. This is a huge issue which has an impact not only on the individuals concerned but also on extended families.

"The Liberal Democrat administration has recognised that this is a serious issue and in the last 5 years has increased the amount of homeless preventative measures. I would encourage anyone, at the first indication that their home may be repossessed, to access the services provided by York Council and other agencies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau."