450 battled to stave off repossession

A total of 450 households across Rochdale were threatened with losing their home last year as cash-strapped families struggled to survive.

New figures show 450 claims were issued across the borough — the first stage in taking back a property — in 2011.

Rising food and energy prices, and increasing numbers of people across the area claiming out-of-work benefits, have seen repossession claims rise by six per cent on 2010 levels.

The Ministry of Justice figures come as the Government announces extra cash will be handed to councils to provide a safety net for struggling homeowners.

Rochdale Council will receive £144,654 from the £19million national allocation to offer small interest-free loans of a maximum of £5,000 to families to ensure repossession is a last resort.