This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/8509847.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
MSPs to pass repossessions bill MSPs back repossession protection
(about 11 hours later)
MSPs are set to back a change to the law which will make it more difficult for homes to be repossessed in Scotland. MSPs have backed a change in the law which will make it more difficult for homes to be repossessed in Scotland.
Under the proposals, which have cross party support, lenders could have to wait longer to seize properties. Under the plans, which gained cross-party support, lenders will have to wait longer to seize properties.
They will also have to show they have taken reasonable steps to avoid seizing private properties, including agreeing future repayments.They will also have to show they have taken reasonable steps to avoid seizing private properties, including agreeing future repayments.
And residents will have the right to have their cases heard in court. Residents will also have the right to have their cases heard in court before their homes can be repossessed.
For those facing insolvency, the Home Owner and Debtor Protection Bill will give the courts more powers to stop the family home being sold to clear off debts for up three years. For those facing insolvency, the Home Owner and Debtor Protection Bill gives the courts more powers to stop the family home being sold to clear off debts for up three years.
'Debt solutions'
Banks and building societies repossessed 48,000 homes in the UK last year, according to estimates by mortgage chiefs.Banks and building societies repossessed 48,000 homes in the UK last year, according to estimates by mortgage chiefs.
Graeme Brown, director of housing charity Shelter Scotland, said: "The Scottish government's action to bring forward these additional protections for homeowners is timely, particularly amid the current financial climate, and Scotland's flagship commitment to give everyone the right to a home by 2012."Graeme Brown, director of housing charity Shelter Scotland, said: "The Scottish government's action to bring forward these additional protections for homeowners is timely, particularly amid the current financial climate, and Scotland's flagship commitment to give everyone the right to a home by 2012."
But the Council of Mortgage Lenders has warned that by delaying repossessions, it may become more difficult for Scots to borrow in the future.But the Council of Mortgage Lenders has warned that by delaying repossessions, it may become more difficult for Scots to borrow in the future.
Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said the new legislation was aimed at aiding those families who found themselves caught in a "debt trap".
He added: "Our response, embodied in this bill, has been to act quickly to introduce more protection for homeowners and to offer support to those people who currently cannot access debt solutions.
"Finally, they are protected with the full weight of the law. In implementing the provisions in the bill, we will continue in the spirit of co-operation that has been a feature of discussions among all political parties in the chamber."