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Budget
Emma Whitford and her three children were the first in the country to benefit from the Mortgage Rescue Scheme, part of the Government’s package of mortgage assistance.
Forced to give up her job, unable to pay her mortgage and at risk of being evicted from her home, the scheme helped a local housing agency to buy the house and rent it back to the family.
Mrs Whitford said: “I am just so relieved. It was just a huge weight off my shoulders. I thought I was going to become homeless. I was mainly worried about losing the home for my three children. I was originally told I would have to go into a hostel. I panicked. I thought there was no way out.”
After being accepted for the scheme, Ms Whitford said, “I was really surprised at how quickly it all went through.”
Facing bankruptcy and repossession of their home, Kelly and Jamie Carr turned to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) where they were told about the Mortgage Rescue Scheme.
The recession had left Jamie, a self-employed builder, with no work. Struggling to support their five children and pay the mortgage on their home, things reached a critical stage when Kelly’s hours were cut at the dairy where she worked. Then someone suggested going to the local CAB.
Their CAB Money Advice Supervisor told them about the Mortgage Rescue Scheme, and then liaised with the Council and the Carr’s mortgage company, copying them into all paperwork and keeping them up to date. As a result, their house was purchased by the East Midlands Housing Association, which then rented it back to the Carrs - which meant they can stay in their home with no disruption to the family.
Kelly said: “I’d like to think that our story might help other people,” said Kelly. “Help is out there, don’t be afraid to ask for it.”
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