NI mortgage arrears almost double

The number of mortgage arrears issued in Northern Ireland between July and September has almost doubled from the same period last year.

A total of 1,006 writs and summonses were issued compared to 521 in 2007.

The court service said not all cases led to eviction or repossession.

The charity Housing Rights Service said from January next year it would provide a specialist adviser at court to help people facing repossession.

Ursula Toner of the service said the number of writs and summonses "do not come as surprise".

"We have experienced a 300% increase in demand for our specialist debt service.

"It is vital that anyone who is unable to meet their mortgage payments seeks free independent advice and contacts their lender as early as possible"

A court service statement said it was "actively supporting initiatives that will provide help to people who face having their homes repossessed."

A spokeswoman for the lord chief justice said judges in Northern Ireland "see repossession proceedings as a last resort".

"A protocol will seek to ensure that all lenders adhere to best practice and will help make sure that no-one loses their home in Northern Ireland unless there is no reasonable alternative," said the spokeswoman.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said it was "a timely warning for the Executive".

"As a government we must develop a unified cross departmental strategy for helping those most in need," said the minister.