In response to the launch of the Homeowner Mortgage Support (HMS) scheme, Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, housing and homelessness charity, said:

“With half a million households expected to be more than three months in arrears this year, the launch of the HMS scheme today (Tuesday) is a significant step forward because it genuinely has the potential to help tens of thousands of struggling homeowners.

“The fact that most lenders have now committed themselves to improving the protection offered to homeowners in trouble is great news. However, the lenders who have decided to operate their own schemes urgently need to make the details explicit. With thousands of worried homeowners coming to Shelter for advice we need to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information to help them keep a roof over their head.

“The only way to prevent 75,000 repossessions across the UK this year is if all lenders are prepared to offer this kind of protection to struggling homeowners. We are calling on the remaining 20 per cent of lenders still yet to sign up to the scheme to do so immediately or announce the details of their own equivalent scheme.”

“Shelter would urge anyone in Scotland struggling with their mortgage payments to contact their lender now to discuss their options. People can also find out more about the Homeowner Mortgage Support scheme by calling Shelter Scotland’s helpline on 0808 880 4444 or by visiting the website at www.shelter.org.uk/getadvice”