A specialist service has been set up jointly by Denbighshire County Council and the Citizens Advice Bureau in two county courts to provide debt management and legal advice for people facing repossession to remain in their homes.
The County Court Help Desk Scheme, funded by Denbighshire County Council, will be provided in Rhyl and Mold County Courts and run by the Citizens Advice Bureau.
The intention is to prevent people with mortgage/rent arrears from becoming homeless, to provide advice to and advocate on behalf of people facing house repossession, to provide advice after court hearings and assistance with debt management and to direct people to other agencies that could provide support.
A specialist caseworker will attend the court for possession hearings. They will offer help and representation in court and offer advice on debt management.
Paul Quirk, Head of Housing Services, said: “When mortgage repossession cases are referred to court, most defendants are unfamiliar with court surroundings and procedures. Few obtain advice from a legal representative and a a result often agree to repayment agreements that are unrealistic and unsustainable”.
Denise Bailey, Chief Executive of Denbighshire Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “This is an innovative and crucial project and Denbighshire County Council are to be applauded for recognising the need for this project. The Citizens Advice Bureau is the ideal advice agency to undertake this work”.
Clients can contact caseworkers on 01745 818085.
