Council saves family from losing their home

A family from Basingstoke has had their home saved from the threat of mortgage repossession thanks to intervention from their local council.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is only the third authority in the UK to put together a mortgage rescue package and help a family to remain in their home as part of the new Government initiative launched earlier this year.

Threatened with losing their home, the family contacted the council’s housing department and was referred to its specialist housing officer Mark Fisher for help.

Mark, who was specifically appointed by the council to coordinate specialist debt and money advice services for owner-occupiers facing homelessness as a result of debt and mortgage arrears, was able to put together a ‘mortgage to rent’ package with Swaythling Housing Association (SHA).

The borough council was assisted by local solicitors Brain Chase Coles. The firm, which has extensive expertise in advising clients on all aspects of property and housing litigation and is the only firm in the town providing legal aid advice for such cases, guided the family through the legal complexities to ensure they received the best possible outcome.

Hearing about the successful case, government Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said “We are determined to do all we can to ensure repossession is a last resort and it is heartening to know that this family can stay in their home thanks to the efforts of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and all who have worked tirelessly to make this happen.

"The Mortgage Rescue scheme is just one of a range of measures we have put in place to help those at risk of repossession, though for anyone who is concerned about their mortgage they should speak to their lender or seek financial advice as soon as possible."

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Health Cllr Cathy Osselton explained: “It was only with Mark’s intervention and determination liaising with the mortgage companies on his client’s behalf that we were able to secure this package. I am so pleased there has been a positive outcome for this family.

“We want to do all we can to help and support our residents and our specialist housing adviser can guide people through the maze of schemes and support that is out there.”

Now SHA own the family’s property and rent it back to them.

Mark Fisher’s advice to anyone else in a similar position is to simply contact the council. He added “I am not going to judge anyone. I am here to help. But, anyone facing a debt situation must confront it head-on. They should approach the council as soon as they get into difficulties. Early intervention can make such a massive difference to how the situation develops. It is all about getting early advice from the right people."