The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.

Every Citizens Advice Bureau is a registered charity reliant on trained volunteers and funds to provide these vital services for local communities.

• Our impact report

• Our service strategy 2008-2011

Citizens Advice response to the mortgage rescue package announced by the Government today

02-09-2008

Citizens Advice Chief Executive David Harker said:

“We welcome the package of measures announced today, particularly the cut in the waiting time and increased capital limit for Income Support for Mortgage Interest, reforms to the safety net for homeowners which we have been urging for some time.

“These could be an effective way of keeping people who lose their jobs suddenly and have no savings to fall back on in their homes. Helping people stay in their homes will reduce the risk of social exclusion that arises when families have to enter temporary accommodation, with children having to change schools before eventual re-housing, possibly involving yet another change of school for the children.

“For these measures to work, lenders must play their part by showing forbearance, treating people in difficulties sympathetically and fairly, being willing to negotiate reasonable, affordable repayment arrangements with borrowers, and ensuring they take possession action only as a last resort. Bringing in a ‘pre-action protocol’ for mortgage arrears without delay would ensure that court action is only taken where all other options have failed and no agreement can be reached.”

Notes to editors on Citizens Advice

1. The Citizens Advice service is a network of independent charities that helps people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales; www.citizensadvice.org.uk
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
3. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at over 3,300 locations across England and Wales.
4. Advice and information  www.adviceguide.org.uk
5. Volunteer hotline 08451 264264 (local rate)
6. Citizens Advice Guide to your rights, second edition: January 2008 - over 600 pages of practical, independent CAB advice. An invaluable resource for any bookshelf - available from all good bookshops; price £11.99; ISBN: 9780141034089

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