The announcement today by the Scottish Government that they are to take forward the recommendations of an independent working group on how to further support homeowners faced with repossession has been welcomed by Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick.
The working group, set up in January 2009, has set out a range of recommendations which will now be taken forward and these include the need for new legislation to ensure that the protection available through the Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Act 2001 applies in all repossession cases, instead of just those where the home owner defends the action
Legislation will also be initiated to require lenders to show that they have considered every reasonable alternative to repossession, and to ensure that the courts consider the extent to which they have done so when deciding on repossessions cases
Commenting on the announcement, Joe FitzPatrick said:
“Constituents are concerned about the repossession of their homes and it is our duty as politicians and legislators to ease those fears.
“I am pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to act quickly by forming this panel of experts to look as the best way forward and I welcome the speed with which the Government is to act on their proposals.
“By taking prompt action, such as legislating to ensure protection available through the Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Act 2001, together we can work to avert repossessions in these difficult economic times.”
