Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Paul Rowen (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 9 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Topical Questions

Question: I am sure that the Secretary of State is aware that the mortgage repossession scheme operated by Rochdale council has been one of the most successful in the country in keeping people in their own homes. However, funding for that scheme nationally is available only until next year. What steps will the Secretary of State take to ensure that funding is available when the current funding finishes next year?

Answer: I welcome the hon. Gentleman's recognition that the steps that we have taken locally and nationally, including on the funding to support the scheme, to try to help people struggling with their mortgages during this recession have been working well. We have put that funding in place for this year and next year. That action—Government action that we have been prepared to take—is one of the reasons why repossessions in this recession are running at around half the rate that they were in the last recession.

Secondary information