The following information is designed to help give advice and to signpost people that are worried or anxious about mortgage arrears or debt problems in Oxford. Lender Options Persons in mortgage difficulties should initially speak to their mortgage lender to make them aware of the situation.
There are a number of options available that a lender could take:
- Reduce monthly payments for a period (including a payment holiday)
- Capitalise payments
- Cut the charges made
- Extend the length of loan
- Spread the payment of the total amount owed
- Offer a better loan rate
- Allow time to sell home (if that is preferred by homeowner)
It is also worth exploring whether other lenders might be able to offer a better interest rate or a better mortgage package to suit you. Avoid ‘rent back’ or ‘sell to let’ schemes however, and if you do want to consider this, get assurances as to your protection and consult a solicitor or advice centre first. There is little protection for you if the company that buys the property gets into financial trouble itself, and little to stop you being evicted. You may also not be eligible for Housing Benefit.
Review own situation
The person should also review the situation in their own household to clarify what to do. This should include:
- Reviewing household expenditure to see if there are any savings that can be made
- Considering whether income could be increased – by taking a lodger, for example
- Are all working individuals in the household contributing to household costs?
- List and prioritise all debts (Court Orders, Rent/Mortgage Arrears, Council Tax costs should be paid before any other debts)
- Which payments are you behind on?
- Speaking to all (priority) creditors and making an offer that is affordable to pay
- Do you have any mortgage protection insurance (MPPI) or any other insurance?
- Are there any options open to you, such as selling your home or moving to something smaller?
Take professional advice
There are many agencies that can offer advice. This can be specific Money Advice to help you manage debts, mortgage or rent arrears, or Welfare Advice to make sure that you are getting all the benefits and help that you are entitled to. Housing Advice may also be appropriate in order to ensure that you can stay in your own home, and are not at risk of homelessness. Money advisors may also be able to help consolidate debts and recommend appropriate action, including administration orders, IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements), or bankruptcy orders. There are a number of websites and telephone help-lines that can give advice, and help you to deal with some of this yourself.
National Debtline – free service to help deal with debt problems Tel: 0808 808 4000 Web: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau – helps to deal with legal, money and welfare benefit issues Tel: 0870 220 0608 Web: www.adviceguide.co.uk
Shelter – offers independent help with housing and welfare benefits Tel: 0808 800 4444 Web: www.shelter.org.uk/adviceonline
Oxford City Council – the website includes a benefits calculator to check if you are entitled to Housing or Council Tax Benefit, and the NHAS leaflet ‘Are you worried about your mortgage?’ that you can download Web: www.oxford.gov.uk
Job Centre Plus – website gives information and advice on making a claim and the help you may be eligible for Tel: 0800 055 6688 Web: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Pension Credit – for information and advice Tel: 0800 99 1234 Web: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk
Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit – information and advice Tel: 0845 300 3900 Web: www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits
Payplan – gives advice on your debts Tel: 0800 917 7823 Web: www.payplan.com
Advice Centres (and opening times) in Oxford
Most centres also run outreach sessions in other venues. Some centres deal with clients only from certain areas of the city. It is best to telephone first.
Agnes Smith Advice Centre, Blackbird Leys
Address: 96 Blackbird Leys Road
For contact information and to make an appointment, see their website.
Barton Advice Centre
Address: Barton Neighbourhood Centre, Underhill Circus
For contact information, see their website.