Wendy Calls For National Campaign On Repossessions

- Free legal representation for anyone facing repossession -

Wendy Alexander has called on the Scottish Government to launch a national campaign to help struggling homeowners take control of their finances and support them in order to avoid repossessions and stay in their homes.

She wants to see a Scottish equivalent of the campaign launched in the rest of the UK. A series of press, online and billboard adverts will highlight measures available to help homeowners in England avoid repossession.

Local Labour MPs and MSPs along with Renfrewshire Law Centre have been arguing for almost a year that Scots deserve at least the same legal protection as people in England.

The Scottish Government’s legislative programme promised a Debtor Protection Bill, but they have so-far failed to say when it will be become law.

Wendy is also calling for a right to free legal representation for anyone facing repossession.

Wendy said:

“The SNP government is offering too little too late on repossessions. I first called for legislation to provide families with greater protection against losing their home almost a year ago. We are still waiting for it to be introduced.

“The UK Government’s campaign will help homeowners in England regain control of their situation by offering practical advice through the new website, trained advisors at the National Debtline, and other organisations.

“Nicola Sturgeon needs to explain why there is no similar initiative in Scotland. She has been burying her head in the sand and refusing to act while vulnerable families face the trauma of being thrown onto the street.

“Repossessions are a disaster for everyone involved, but the Scottish Government does not even have credible statistics on the number of repossessions in Scotland. Their refusal to provide such basic information is impossible to understand.”