Government urged to do more over repossessions

Publication date | 14/11/2008

A large majority of Britons want the government to play a more active role in helping them fend off the threat of repossession, according to a new poll released yesterday (November 13th).

The survey, conducted by homeless charity St Mungo's, found that four-fifths of respondents believed that the government could be doing more to help them in the current housing market slump.

Furthermore, 52 per cent of those polled are concerned by their financial situations and are planning on cutting down on gas, electricity, heating and household food costs.

Charles Fraser, chief executive of the charity, said: "At the moment we are witnessing a downturn in the economy that is being felt at all levels of society. The government needs to act quickly if we are to avoid a sharp increase of rough sleepers on the streets."

In addition, the poll showed that Christmas present buying could also be curbed as 30 per cent of people are now reining in their spending on non-essential luxury items.

Another recent study by the charity revealed that nearly one in three working Britons are afraid of losing their jobs in the next 12 months.