Home repossession claims high in Enfield, figures show (From Enfield Independent)

Home repossession claims high in Enfield, Shelter figures show

11:17am Thursday 28th June 2012 in News By David Hardiman, Reporter

More than 450 families were handed repossession claims for their homes in Enfield last year, the third highest number in London.

Mortgage providers made 455 repossession claims in the borough in 2011/12, with only Lewisham and Croydon having more, figures released by homelessness charity Shelter show.

The charity’s study, which aims to highlight the risks facing homeowners during the recession, shows that the rate of repossession in Enfield is also the 67th highest in England.

Chief executive Campbell Robb said: “Most people think that repossession will never happen to them, but rising unemployment, high living costs and even higher house prices mean that many people are living close to the edge already, and risk falling into a spiral of debt and repossession.

“The journey from being a homeowner to becoming homeless can be frighteningly swift, with just one small thing like a wage cut, a health problem or a job loss meaning that a family can no longer meet their mortgage payments.”

The charity is calling for the Government to put the same focus on housing costs as other essentials such as food and energy bills.