HOMEOWNERS in York whose property is at risk of repossession because they are struggling to meet their mortgage payments could get free legal advice.

It follows an announcement by the Council of Mortgage Lenders that the number of homes being repossessed in Britain had risen for the first time in seven years.

The figures showed there were 4,640 homes repossessed in the first half of 2005 - compared to 3,070 for the previous six months.

Now the Legal Services Commission, which replaced the Legal Aid Board in 2000, has teamed up with advice providers in York to support a new housing possession scheme.

Worth more than £20,000, the commission says the scheme has the potential to help more than 200 of the city's residents get free legal advice.

It has been launched under the heading "Don't get evicted, get advice" to help people who are facing possession proceedings to get advice from a quality solicitor or advice provider for free.

Peter Nelson, regional director, said: "Our work is fundamental to social and legal justice, and we help people, some of whom are among the most vulnerable in our society.

"Facing homelessness can have a devastating effect on people and their families. Our funding is helping save people's homes and changing lives for the better."

The Legal Services Commission has recently funded eight contracts worth over £250,000 to deliver housing possession schemes in 15 courts across the Yorkshire and Humberside region.

Mr Nelson said: "This is a perfect example of how we are working towards modernising access to justice and offer more than 'legal aid'"

The Legal Services Commission is sponsored by the Department for Constitutional Affairs with the key objective of providing accountable access to justice for all through publicly-funded legal services. It replaced the Legal Aid Board in 2000.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "The council works with a wide range of partners to provide advice and support to people facing financial difficulty.

"This includes funding an outreach worker at the Citizen's Advice Bureau to help people with debt management. Our customer advice centre can also offer a wide range of advice on financial and housing matters and can put people in contact with other organisations that may be able to help.

"We would welcome any service which increases the range of advice and support available, and which may prevent people from becoming homeless."

Updated: 10:05 Tuesday, August 23, 2005