Finnie demands equal protection for Scottish homeowners (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Finnie demands equal protection for Scottish homeowners

November 26, 2008 11:39 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Housing spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP has renewed calls for the Scottish Government to introduce similar measures as introduced in England and Wales to protect homeowners against repossession.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders revealed today that the number of properties repossessed by mortgage lenders rose by 12 per cent in the third quarter of the year. The Scottish Government has today announced a funding boost to help homeowners at risk with legal costs.

Commenting, Mr Finnie said:

"I welcome this extra legal aid help to the increasing number of homeowners facing repossession. It does, however, still leave the most vulnerable in our society unprotected by the administration of the law.

"The Scottish Government appears to be content to rely on advice from those who regard themselves as representing responsible lenders. Liberal Democrats are much more concerned about individuals who are being taken to court by less responsible mortgage lenders. This means that those least able to protect themselves are suffering the most.

"Accordingly, I am renewing my call for the Scottish Government to introduce in Scotland powers that will protect that vulnerable section of our society and give them equivalent rights in court to those that exist in England."