A new mortgage advice and debt service has been launched for Northern Ireland.

Funding for the Housing Rights Service has been provided by the Department of Social Development.

The service will provide specialist advice and support for people in mortgage difficulties.

Minister Margaret Ritchie said there is no evidence that home repossessions levels here are higher than in England and Wales.

However, there has been a sharper rise here in court repossession orders, which threaten repossession by banks.

In England and Wales, protocols determine that courts must ensure a number of actions are taken before people can be issued with a repossession order.

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Although these could be in place here shortly, Minister Ritchie said she wants to do everything in her power to help.

"I want to do everything in my power to keep a roof over people’s heads. Prevention is better than cure. Seeking early advice is the best step that people can take to prevent repossession.

"People receive repossession orders and immediately think they have to pack their bags.

"They want to know their rights, alternative options they may have, be it getting their finances on a more even-keel or other housing options," she said.

Specialist advisors, working in the Housing Rights Service, will provide advice and representation to enable the individuals to remain in their home or, in cases where this is not feasible, assist them to explore alternative housing options.

Janet Hunter, the Director of the Housing Rights Service said: "We are delighted that Minister Ritchie has made additional budget available to provide a new mortgage debt advice service.

"With the increasing number of Northern Ireland homeowners faced with the prospect of losing their homes, there is a very real need for this scheme. We are hopeful that as a result of being able to offer this new service, more families will be able to stay in their homes and avoid the trauma of repossession," added Ms Hunter.

(PR/BMcc)