The Government has launched a new scheme providing free legal advice to people at risk of losing their home.
As part of the scheme, people facing eviction or repossession in England and Wales will now be able to receive expert legal advice free of charge, helping them to keep their homes and avoid lengthy, costly court proceedings.
The advice will be available from the moment a written notice is received by a tenant or homeowner, which could be in the form of an email from a landlord or letter from a mortgage provider.
Justice Minister, Lord Bellamy, said: “Having access to the right legal advice at the earliest point possible is crucial for those who face losing their home, to ensure they have the support and help they need.
“We are creating this new service so that fewer people lose their home and can get help with their finances and resolve issues before they escalate.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, added: “Propertymark recognise the UK Government is seeking to support people facing hardship or eviction, however, there needs to be an equitable system in place which is responsive, fair and progressive for all parties involved.
“We encourage the Government to work more closely with landlords and agents to provide support or at least take measures to reverse the primary causes which sees many landlords selling and having to potentially evict tenants from their homes in the first place.”
He continued: “It is also vital to consider the flip side of the coin whereby many landlords are also dealing with increased costs making it challenging to operate.
“Any new system must prove fair, sensible and workable for landlords, agents and tenants equally. We welcome the idea of having procedures that address concerns, keep pace with fast moving legislation and bringing swift resolutions on an individual basis.”
