Figures revealed recently have revealed that when it comes to assisting families who are having difficulties in maintaining their homeowner status, Wirral Council ranks among the country’s best.
Staff in the council’s Housing Options department manage the Government’s Mortgage Rescue initiative, which offers support to those who finding it hard to keep up with mortgage repayments and could potentially become homeless.
Official numbers reveal that the council ranks 22nd of 325 in completed mortgage rescues.
Wirral’s Neighbourhoods, Housing and Engagement Cabinet Member, Councillor George Davies, said that families often struggle for reasons out of their control and that the Housing Options department has offered advice which has limited homelessness figures by helping people to remain in their properties or, in some cases, put a plan together for moving. He said:
“I would like to thank all of the officers involved in this work who provide support and advice at what can be a very stressful time, and also thank the registered social landlords and Wirral Citizens Advice Bureau for supporting the programme. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Since launching the initiative, the council has completed an more than 40 Mortgage Rescues and is also making progress on four more. It is great news for homeowners and should help many to keep the dream of a loft conversion or kitchen extension on the Wirral alive.
The council has also helped with a number of mortgage enquiries, providing help and advice. Each one was referred for guidance with money to the CAB, if they weren’t receiving assistance already.
