Householders in the Burnham-On-Sea area who, through no fault of their own, are at risk of losing their homes now have help at hand thanks to the launch of a new service.
Sedgemoor District Council has launched a new Repossession Prevention Loan Scheme in conjunction with Sedgemoor’s Citizens Advice Bureau, the Sedgemoor Credit Union and Wessex Home Improvement Trust.
A Government grant of £38,000 will be used to help keep households in their own homes by providing them with a small, interest free loan.
As part of the scheme, householders will be required to register with the Credit Union, agree to save an agreed amount each month and to make affordable repayments against the loan after a full financial assessment by the Citizens Advice Bureau.
In return, an agreement will be made with the lender to clear some of the outstanding debt to enable the householder to remain in their home. Home owners will be referred to Wessex Home Improvement Trust and the Credit Union will administer funds for those in rented accommodation.
Jerry Milton, Housing Advice Manager for Sedgemoor District Council, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Although loans are relatively small, the Repossession Prevention Loan Scheme is part of a range of measures designed to assist those at risk of homelessness. Last year, the council was able to prevent over 300 households in the Sedgemoor district from becoming homeless and we hope to continue this good work.”
For more information about the scheme, contact the council’s Housing Advice Team on 0845 408 2547.
Pictured are Jerry Milton, Housing Advice Manager at Sedgemoor District Council; Joan Saddington, Manager of Sedgemoor’s Citizens Advice Bureau, with (seated) Kate Wiltshire of Wessex Home Improvement Loans and Alison Palmer of Bridgwater and District Credit Union
