Housing Minister John Healey has urged struggling homeowners to make it their New Year's Resolution to seek early help, take control of their finances and avoid repossession - and pledged extra Government support to help them stay in their homes.

In a message to homeowners, he has highlighted the comprehensive range of support available for them to take action to keep their homes. Repossessions are running at half the rate of the last recession.

As part of his campaign to ensure repossession remains the last resort, Mr Healey has made free impartial advice available to homeowners either online or by encouraging them to call the National Debtline.

Over the next few weeks, the Government is teaming up with Citizens Advice to run a series of local events where families can get free face-to-face and impartial information. These will take place in 56 repossession 'hotspot' areas - identified as being at greater risk due to having higher levels of unemployment and repossession court orders.

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Mr Healey has also announced that he is extending free advice available for homeowners with an extra £4million to local advice agencies like Shelter, to ensure this vital lifeline continues into the New Year.

Mr Healey said: "Many families will have money worries after Christmas and when they are under pressure with their finances the worst thing they can do is put off the problem.

"I want homeowners to know there's free help with their mortgage, by phone, website and local money advice agencies. I'm extending free advice services into next year with £4million extra Government cash, and we're running a series of local events in 56 repossession 'hotspots' so face to face help is also on hand where it is most needed.

"I'm also making sure we continue our special help in court. Even at the eleventh hour when families are in court we're able to stop four out of five repossessions. I urge people to make a New Year's resolution not to bury their heads in the sand but to make the most of the help available. The earlier people act, the more options they have and the better chance they have of safeguarding their home."

(CD/GK)