Labour’s Housing Minister, John Healey, has announced extra help for families facing repossession of their home by doubling extra funding for free, on-the-spot legal advice in courts

The announcement comes on the same day that the Council of Mortgage Lenders revised their 2009 repossessions forecast downwards by 10,000.

Labour’s Housing Minister, John Healey, said:

"It is real backstop help for those closest to the point of losing their home. In four out of five cases, the court desk advisers stop immediate repossession or eviction. Over the last year we've seen this work to help people keep their homes, so I'm doubling the extra money to support this service to £1.5million."

"I think these figures show that help we're trying to give families at every step of the way is helping people avoid losing their home.

"Our message is clear: people in difficulty should speak to their lender as we have strengthened protections for homeowners. Lenders can only repossess homes as a last resort. If a solution can't be found then seek free independent advice.

"These additional funds come on top of a range of schemes Labour has put in place to support homeowners facing financial difficulty. We are taking action to support homeowners through the downturn, and have put in place a £1 billion package of support for homeowners and first time buyers, such as the Homeowner Mortgage Support Scheme which provides extra protection for families who suffer a temporary fall in income."