Homes woe snatch-back for families

More than 400 families in Oldham were threatened with repossession last year.

The worrying figures from the Ministry of Justice reveal how families up and down the country are struggling to meet their monthly repayments.

Critics warn the situation will only get worse with massive cuts and job losses expected to kick in later this year.

Mortgage lenders launched 435 repossession claims — the first stage of taking back a property — in the borough last year,down 20 per cent on 2009.

A breakdown reveals 100 claims were started in the three months leading up to Christmas. All areas across Greater Manchester saw a reduction in claims.

The figures, from the Ministry of Justice, do not reveal the actual number of evictions because a family can still save their home after a claim has been made by settling their debts or reaching an agreement with the borrower.

Across England and Wales, 75,431 families were threatened with repossession in 2010, of which 17,847 were in the last quarter.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps said: “The fall in repossessions is welcome, but I am concerned that too many people are still worrying about losing their homes without seeking support.

“I urge anyone who thinks they may be at risk of losing their home to take action immediately.

“There is help available and repossession should only ever be the very last resort.

“No one in financial difficulty should be embarrassed to seek help if they need it and worried homeowners should speak to their mortgage lender immediately.

“They can also visit the Directgov website for help to prepare a personal action plan, or seek expert advice from Shelter, National Debtline or the local Citizens Advice Bureau or local authority.