Housing Minister John Healey has launched an intensive drive to help struggling homeowners in 'repossession hotspots' get a grip on their finances and save their homes.

Twenty-two hotspot areas are being targeted as having a higher risk of repossessions, due to high levels of unemployment and numbers of court orders for repossessions.

From this week, advertisements highlighting the range of Government support available to homeowners will appear in local newspapers, online and on billboards.

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It is the second stage of the national Mortgage Help campaign John Healey launched last month.

Mr Healey said: "The worst thing anyone facing money worries can do is bury their head in the sand. We've seen recent drops in the numbers of repossessions - but I know the threat will remain high throughout next year and I want people to have the help they need.

"Over 300,000 people have benefited from the range of Government support available at every step of the way, from free debt advice to help with mortgage interest payments and, for the most vulnerable, the Mortgage Rescue Scheme.

"I want other struggling homeowners to follow in their footsteps, go to our website or make that call to the National Debtline for details of the comprehensive range of support that's available."

(CD/GK)