A city MP has welcomed help from the new Government for homeowners at risk of repossession.

Mark Lancaster, who represents Milton Keynes North, was personally struck by the number of repossessed homes he encountered as he walked around the city’s estates, towns and villages during his General Election canvassing.

Although the number of repossessions fell in the first quarter of 2010, last year marked a 15-year high, with 46,000 people losing their homes nationally.

The most recent available figures from the Ministry of Justice reveal that in the third quarter of 2009 there were 150 court orders for mortgage possessions in the city.

Mr Lancaster said: “As my team and I campaigned throughout the north of Milton Keynes earlier this year, we were shocked by how many letter boxes were sealed up with notices in the windows, each one indicating a family that had lost their home. This is the true Labour legacy and from constituents I know how harrowing this process is. Though repossessions have dropped, it is important that people seek help before it is too late, therefore I welcome the assistance the Government is providing.”

The Government’s MortgageHelp website targets those having difficulty with their monthly payments at mortgagehelp.direct.gov.uk. It offers advice on a range of issues and helps people create and action plan. The emphasis is on homeowners contacting their lenders as soon as they have problems, because lenders can only use repossession as a last resort.

The Mortgage Repossessions (Protection of Tenants etc) Act 2010 will come into effect in October, strengthening protection for tenants’ short-notice eviction when their landlord falls into arrears. It gives tenants the opportunity to request two months’ delay from the courts while they find alternative accommodation.

Meanwhile those in need can contact the National Debtline (on 0808 808 4000), the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (on 0800 138 1111), or Shelter (on 0808 800 4444), as well as the Citizens Advice Bureau, JobCentre Plus or Milton Keynes Council.