Housing minister John Healey today controversially claimed repossession can be "the best option" for some homeowners.
Speaking on Radio 5 Live, he said: "For some people it can be the best option for them to allow their home to be repossessed. "Even in cases [where lenders look at repossessions as a last resort], some families may not be able to keep up with mortgage repayments even if they're re-negotiated and rescheduled." Healey's comments come hot on the heels of Council of Mortgage Lender figures showing there were 46,000 homes repossessed last year - a 14-year high. Healey's comments have drawn criticism from Shadow housing minister Grant Shapps and charity Shelter.
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