The number of mortgage possession claims in Britain has soared, the government has revealed.During the first quarter of 2008 some 38,688 claims were issued by UK lenders, the Ministry of Justice said.In comparison some 35,662 mortgage possession claims were issued in the final quarter of 2007 – representing an increase of 8.5 per cent.The Ministry of Justice figures represent the number properties entering the first stage of the repossession procedure – and do not reflect the actual number of homes repossessed. In a number of cases homeowners are able to make arrangements with lenders in order to prevent their home being repossessed. According to the figure 47 per cent of mortgage possession orders were suspended in the first quarter of this year, compared to 46 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2007.However, the data does show clearly the number of households under severe financial pressure.The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) offers a further measure, with research showing 27,100 mortgages ended in actual repossession in 2007. This represents 0.23 per cent of the market as a whole – less than half the level experienced during the early 1990s.However, the CML expects the repossession rate to rise to 0.38 per cent this year – with 45,000 properties repossessed. While higher than 2007, this is still very modest relative to the overall size of the UK market of 11.8 million mortgages. The news of an increase follows an announcement on April 22nd from the government that those in financial trouble and facing repossession would receive assistance from the government. Measures are particularly focused on the 1.4 million borrowers coming to the end of a fixed-rate deal during 2008. With mortgage lending criteria tightening dramatically in first quarter of 2008, such borrowers are likely to face an increase in repayment rates. In response the government has announced plans to develop a new debt advice service with the National Housing Advice Service; train specialist staff at Citizen's Advice; and arrange free legal representation for those facing a court appearance. "For the minority of owners who may need support and advice now, we want to ensure it is there for them in the right place and at the right time," said housing minister Caroline Flint in April.
