Legal service for those losing homes

Home owners worried sick about losing their homes can get some respite from a Government emergency service.

Providing last minute help for people facing eviction or repossession, the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme, run by the Legal Service Commission, will provide free, immediate legal advice and representation to individuals appearing in court who are at risk of losing their home.

Last year nearly 400 householders in the South West benefited from the scheme, which is open to anyone regardless of income. Legal advisers are available on days when the repossession case is heard.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said: “The Government is taking urgent action to get real help to those worst hit by the credit crunch.  Losing a home has a devastating impact on people’s lives.  New rules since November 2008 mean repossession should always be a last resort but, should the worst happen, we must make sure the right support is available.

“Court duty scheme advisers do a fantastic job, often making a dramatic and very significant difference to preventing evictions at the 11th hour, but the more time an adviser has to prepare, the better the chance people have of keeping their homes. The best advice is still to get early advice, and avoid the distress of a court appearance altogether.”