Mortgage rescue scheme helps just six families

Only six families in England have been aided by the government's mortgage rescue scheme, a junior communities minister has admitted.

Ian Austin confirmed the accuracy of the figure during a debate in Westminster Hall on the package, which was launched in January.

The initiative aims to help families who are struggling to pay their mortgages and are facing the threat of repossession.

Not-for-profit housing associations buy the properties and then allow the family to continue living there, charging an "affordable rent".

The statistic came in for criticism from the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, but the housing minister, John Healey, said that steps were being taken to speed up the process for vulnerable families.

"To make sure families are getting the support they need, I can confirm that from next month a new central team will operate to manage and fast-track the cases of those most at risk of repossession," he said.


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