Repossession legal help sent to courts

Legal aid schemes are to be expanded in British courts to tackle the growing threat of repossession the Legal Services Commission (LSC) has confirmed. A further 20 emergency legal aid schemes are to be established county courts, assisting the growing number of homeowners facing the prospect of losing their home. Figures from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) reveal repossessions grew significantly in late 2007 and early 2008 - with 9,152 new cases in the first quarter of 2008, a rise of over 40 per cent on a year earlier. The LSC - which runs the legal aid system - funds emergency schemes so homeowners in danger of eviction, or having property repossessed, can get free legal advice and representation on the day of the hearing, regardless of their financial circumstances. "The credit crunch and rising costs are fuelling a... [read full story]