Brain Chase Coles helps first Basingstoke family avoid repossession through mortgage rescue scheme
20th May 2009
Helen Freeman with Cristiane Taylor and Lisa Rigby
A family from Basingstoke has had their home saved from the threat of mortgage repossession thanks to intervention from Brain Chase Coles and the local council.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is only the third authority in the UK to put together a mortgage rescue package and help a family to remain in their home as part of the new Government initiative launched earlier this year.
Threatened with losing her home, Helen Freeman from South Ham, Basingstoke, contacted the
council’s housing department which was able to put together a ‘mortgage to rent’ package
with Swaythling Housing Association (SHA).
Cristiane Taylor, litigation expert at Brain Chase Coles, guided Helen through the legal
complexities to ensure that she received the best possible outcome.
As the only firm in the town providing legal aid advice for such cases, Brain Chase Coles
is the sole solicitor working in conjunction with the Council on helping clients through
the mortgage rescue scheme.
Hearing about the successful case, government Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said:
“We are determined to do all we can to ensure repossession is a last resort and it is
heartening to know that this family can stay in their home thanks to the efforts of
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and all who have worked tirelessly to make this happen.
"The Mortgage Rescue scheme is just one of a range of measures we have put in place to help
those at risk of repossession, though for anyone who is concerned about their mortgage they
should speak to their lender or seek financial advice as soon as possible."
Cristiane Taylor from Brain Chase Coles commented: “I am delighted
that we were able to work with the Council through the complex process of the mortgage rescue
scheme to ensure such a positive outcome for Helen.
"It was essential for her to have expert legal guidance and the combination of this with the
advice of the Council resulted in an excellent conclusion to the case. I am looking forward
to working on more similar projects to help families in the Basingstoke area who are facing
housing difficulties including mortgage arrears and rental agreements.”
