Repossession actions by Housing Associations up by 16%

Local charity, Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau, is reporting that there has been a 16% increase in the number of repossession actions listed at Exeter County Court by Housing Associations.

Across all housing sectors, where a CAB adviser has assisted clients facing repossession, clients have avoided repossession in over 75% of cases.

Exeter City Council has provided financial support for this essential service.

Steve Barriball, Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau Chief Executive, said: “We have at least one adviser present at the Court each Tuesday morning to advise and advocate for clients. So far this financial year there have been 424 cases listed for repossession, an overall decrease on last of 0.2%, or one case. However, the cases taken by Housing Associations have increased by 16%. There was an average of around 16 cases listed across all housing sectors each week.”  

Steve explained: “Low interest rates have helped some households with mortgages. However, these figures suggest that for families living in Housing Association properties they are being hit disproportionately by factors such as the increasing cost of living and increases in energy costs are hitting household budgets. Changes to Council Tax benefit and the so called ‘bedroom tax’, as well as other changes to the welfare system, are hitting low income households the hardest.”

Steve finished by saying: “I am grateful to the workforce of the Bureau for providing this essential service to people facing repossession. We are also grateful to Exeter City Council for funding this service”.

Repossession trends in the period 1 April – 30 September

Sector: Housing Association

2012/13 Repossessions     91
2013/14 Repossessions    106
Difference                             +15
% Change                            +16.4%

Sector: Private

2012/13 Repossessions      38
2013/14 Repossessions      37
Difference                                -1
% Change                             -2.6%

Sector: Mortgage

2012/13 Repossessions      136
2013/14 Repossessions      122
Difference                                -14
% Change                              -10.3%

Sector: Local authority

2012/13 Repossessions      160
2013/14 Repossessions      159
Difference                                -1
% Change                               -0.6%

Sector: Total

2012/13 Repossessions       425
2013/14 Repossessions       424
Difference                                 -1
% Change                                -0.2%