A leading Welsh charity is urging people who are having difficulties with their mortgage or rent to get in touch.
Shelter Cymru provides a help desk at county courts across Wales as part of Legal Services Commission funded initiative to provide free advice and representation on possession hearing days.
The service is available to anyone with mortgage or rent problems who is facing possible possession action.
Janet Loudon, Shelter Cymru’s National Operations Manager, said: “In the last few years Shelter Cymru has seen a significant increase in mortgage and rent possession action and it now accounts for over 30% of all our casework.
“We have been running these court duty help desks since November 2010 but there are many people who are listed for a hearing who just don’t turn up.
“In many cases we are able to negotiate with the lender or landlord to reach an agreement to prevent any re-possession happening but we can only do this if people attend the hearing.
“Through Shelter Cymru’s national network of specialist advisers we can also ensure that any follow up advice is available to those who need it.
“Please don’t bury your head in the sand if you are at risk of repossession – the earlier you seek advice the more likely it is that we can assist you and prevent homelessness.”
