Welsh Lib Dems call for debate to curb home repossessions

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th May 2008

The Welsh Liberal Democrats will be using their debating time next Wednesday 4th June to urge the Assembly Government to combat the growing number of home repossessions in Wales.

Peter Black, the Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson on housing said:

"Recent figures from Shelter Cymru show that repossessions are rising faster in Wales then elsewhere in the UK. With the cost of living going up and up, this is an alarming situation for many homeowners who find it difficult to make ends meet. Threats of repossession orders are a common sight for many people.

"The recent wave of housing repossessions in Wales is a clear sign that there is a shortage of affordable housing that has forced many to live beyond their means.

"House prices in Wales have gone though the roof in the last few years. The average house price in 2006 was £157,004, compared with £65,388 in 2000 and £52,325 in 1996. This is a worrying trend especially to the many people facing repossession orders.

"The Labour/Plaid One Wales agreement has promised substantial action to deal with the affordable housing crisis however we have so-far seen little action from them"

Peter Black added:

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats will urge the government to help reduce the number of potential repossessions by supporting debt advice and mortgage rescue schemes. We will also call for the development of a protocol that would require a court to be satisfied that lenders and borrowers had taken the relevant steps before possession was awarded.

"The Assembly Government needs to take action now to curb the number of repossessions so that people do not have to go through this distressing process of loosing their home."

Ends/Diwedd.

Note:

This Welsh Liberal Democrat debate will be held in the chamber next Wednesday 4TH June.

Shelter Cymru's report:

Home ownership and mortgage possession actions in Wales

http://www.sheltercymru.org.uk/shelter/uploads/pdf/Mortgage%20Report%20English.pdf