Responding to the Council of Mortgage Lender’s UK-wide statistics on arrears and repossessions [1], Shelter Scotland Director, Graeme Brown, said:

'Today’s figures confirm that a rising number of homeowners across the UK are in a desperate struggle to keep their home. Without separate Scottish figures we cannot know the full extent of the situation north of the border.

'The Scottish Government’s promised new legal protections for Scottish homeowners should be the first thing on the order sheet when the Scottish Parliament returns in two weeks time.'

He added: 'Despite many lenders using more tolerant measures to help customers, further action is needed to prevent a second and more devastating wave of repossessions.

'Banks have been bailed out with billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money. Now it’s time to ensure they do everything they can to keep customers in their homes.'

Anyone struggling with the cost of their mortgage should seek advice as soon as possible from or Shelter’s advice line on 0808 800 4444, or visit www.shelter.org.uk/getadvice

Notes to editors

1. Council for Mortgage Lenders press release.
   
2. Shelter believes everyone should have a home and helps 170,000 people a year fight for their rights, get back on their feet, and find and keep a home. We also tackle the root causes of Britain's housing crisis by campaigning for new laws, policies and solutions.
3. Spokespeople are available for interview, telephone the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line number is available for broadcast interviews.