Lifesavers

Rescue call

Mortgage rescue scheme overspent and missed goals

A scheme launched in January 2009 to help households avoid repossession has supported less than half the people expected and gone £35 million over budget.

The president has a problem

£20m fund to support struggling homeowners

Struggling homeowners at risk of losing their home are to get support from a £20 million government safety net.

Shelter maps repossession hotspots

Housing charity Shelter has published a map showing the areas of England where homes are most likely to be repossessed.

Cheated out of their savings

Abusive financial practices targeting the elderly are on the rise, but so are measures to protect vulnerable housing association residents. Alex Turner reports

A friend in need

Edinburgh’s Homelessness Prevention Service is making a big difference to vulnerable residents in the city. Sam Thorp finds out how the council-commissioned service works

Up to scratch

Duties around property maintenance have now been enshrined in Scottish law, says Ruth McNaught

Hidden menace

Cash-strapped tenants can make their situation worse by turning to loan sharks. Darren Reynolds explains why landlords have waded in to help tackle the problem

Cold cottage rescue

Isolation from mains gas can spell financial hardship. Alex Turner investigates how Cornish landlords are exploring renewable energy solutions to rural fuel poverty