More homes face risk of repossession

The number of homes repossessed or threatened by 'suspended' repossession orders because of mortgage arrears is still going up in some parts of the country, according to a report published today.

A survey by Roof, the magazine of the housing charity Shelter, shows 68,883 full and suspended orders in the first half of this year, up 5 per cent from 65,892 in the same period last year. Figures from the Lord Chancellor's department, covering England and Wales, show full court orders down by 9 per cent but suspended orders up 21 per cent. Suspended orders are granted when an arrangement is made to pay off the arrears but allow the lender to repossess immediately if the borrower defaults. Details, page 2