New Borders project aimed at helping keep people in their homes opens its doors
30 April 2010
A new project, provided by Shelter Scotland, which aims to prevent people in the Borders from losing their homes by offering free legal advice, has opened its doors.
The new initiative means the homelessness and housing charity will make legal services available to vulnerable households across the Borders.
It aims to help more households avoid the nightmare of homelessness at a time when 53,000 repossessions are forecast across the UK for the year ahead.
As well as legal advice the project will also provide legal representation to help people faced with eviction or repossession in the Peebles, Jedburgh, Selkirk and Duns areas.
Laurel Wheatley of Shelter Housing Law Service said: 'We are delighted the Scottish Legal Aid Board has provided funding for this new project. This means Shelter Scotland can work to help more people avoid losing their homes at a time when many across the Borders are feeling the impact of the recession. We are pleased to have received this funding to have a part-time solicitor available exclusively to represent clients in the Borders Sheriff Courts.
'Homelessness can happen to anyone and can have a devastating impact on people’s lives. Our new project aims to help prevent individuals and families from suffering the upheaval and distress of losing their home.
'We would urge anyone facing eviction or repossession to get in touch with us on 0344 515 2422. We are open Monday and Thursday between 1pm and 4pm and Tuesday between 10am and 1pm. Alternatively email borders@shelter.org.uk'
Mr Lindsay Montgomery CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Legal Aid Board, commented: 'This funding opens up access to justice for more people and means that they will be able to get targeted advice to help them deal with their legal problems, in particular issues on housing and debt. We know that the majority of repossession cases are not defended and that even where homeowners do take action to try to keep their homes, many go unrepresented or don’t turn up at court. In many cases early resolution of the problem might have meant avoidance of court altogether. We also know that helping someone avoid repossession does not always end their problems and that follow up work to tackle unresolved issues is also often needed.'
Notes to editors:
1. Shelter Scotland believes everyone should have a home. The charity helps 170,000 people a year across the UK fight for their rights, get back on their feet, and find and keep a home. We also tackle the root causes of Scotland’s housing crisis by campaigning for new laws, policies and solutions.
2. Spokespeople are available for interview, telephone the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line number is available for broadcast interviews.
