Citizens Advice slams ‘routine repossessions’

The charity has criticised what it perceives as a growing tendency among lenders to initiate court action over unpaid mortgage demands, rather than taking such steps only when other options have been exhausted.

In response to the latest repossession figures released by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, Citizens Advice has made clear that its staff are increasingly being asked to help consumers struggling to meet mortgage demands and being threatened with repossession.

Citizens Advice policy officer Peter Tutton said: “We want to see lenders making genuine efforts to reach agreement with borrowers on reasonable and affordable arrears repayment before taking court action.

“We would advise borrowers to speak to their lenders if they are having difficulties and to think very carefully about whether they can afford the amount they wish to borrow.”

Close to 1.4 million people across the UK approached Citizens Advice about debt over the course of last year, according to the organisation’s own figures.