As the recession fallout continues to hit households struggling to make ends meet, residents are once again being urged to seek help early if they are worried they may lose their home.
Swansea Council’s Housing Options Service was able to prevent over 900 households from losing their home last year.
The residents had been threatened with homelessness for a variety of different reasons including repossession.
But the number of people presenting themselves as homeless or at risk of homeless to the service is still running high.
Homelessness caseworkers dealt with almost 2,700 requests for assistance between January and December 2009.
The Homelessness Team saw a rise in applications towards the end of the year and dealt with 160 households at risk of repossession because they were struggling to pay their mortgage.
In addition, Housing Options saw an increase in private rented tenants who could not remain in their homes as a result of their landlords defaulting in their mortgages.
Swansea Council provides a Money Advice Service at Housing Options to those who are having financial difficulties and are at risk of losing their home.
A trained advisor can work with households to provide help with debts, court hearings and ways of increasing income.
Advisers can also advocate on behalf of a client with mortgage providers, negotiate affordable payment plans with creditors and explore mortgage rescue options.
Cllr Peter May, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Clearly the recession is continuing to have a large impact on households struggling to make ends meet.
“It is imperative that households seek advice as soon as possible so that the advisers at Housing Options can have the best opportunity of preventing homelessness.
“Early intervention is also often the key to prevent debts mounting or mortgage/rent arrears from escalating out of control.
“This service is free and households can telephone, write or call into Housing Options to make an appointment to see an Advisor.”
Housing options can be contacted on 01792 533100.
People can also email [email protected] or visit the office at 17 High Street in Swansea.
People can additionally log on to www.swansea.gov.uk or www.tinycc/housinghelp
