The growth in repossessions in the first quarter of 2009 announced this week could have been avoided if young people had been taught in school more about what it means to buy a home and what other housing choices they have, according to the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

Sarah Webb, Chief Executive of the CIH, said: "We've just started teaching school children about housing for the first time, and we're really proud to be part of this, but I can't help thinking some people may not be facing repossession now if they had been taught about housing when they were at school. And it's not just school kids we should be helping - we would like to see free independent advice available to everyone to help them make the right housing choice for them, whether it is renting, owning or half-and-half. More independent housing advice - before people reach a crisis point or are facing potential repossession - could save the kinds of emotional and financial problems we are seeing now."

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CIH's Annual Report shows that the professional body invested more than £10 million of its charitable income to support excellence in housing in 2008 - an increase of seven per cent on 2007. This increased investment helped more housing professionals to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities across the UK - and supported our work to influence Government on a wide range of housing issues.

(CD/JM)