The UK Mortgage Prisoners action group has called for lenders to press pause on repossessions and freeze repayments for those in difficulty because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Lead campaigner Rachel Neale says that in the last 24 hours she has received numerous messages from people who are concerned about their homes being repossessed because they have been made redundant or are in self-isolation and unable to make their mortgage payments or cover other bills. 

In an open letter to lenders she says: “I hope you agree that it would be immoral to allow any repossessions (impending or otherwise) to proceed under the current economic circumstance, leaving people homeless at the most vulnerable time in their lives.”

She urges lenders to offer those in difficulty a moratorium on all payments for a short period.

Neale writes: “We need measures in place for those that cannot make payments in any form due to illness and self-isolation. 

“We need clarification on the payment holiday criteria and clarity on how this will impact people in the future. 

“Many of our members are being asked to complete strict affordability assessments to secure mortgage payment holidays. 

“This is unacceptable and we propose a suspension of affordability assessments during these unsettling financial times. 

“We also have several people in the group going to be repossessed at the end of March. 

“We propose a moratorium on repossessions – impending or otherwise.”

Neale says that lenders currently carrying out repossessions include Santander, Bank of Ireland, Helidor and Landmark.

She adds: “These should not be allowed to go ahead and must be postponed until a time when people are able to attend hearings on their repossession, particularly when those who are facing repossession and self-isolating.

“I am now at the point where I am begging for your help. Consumers, customers, people need to come first. 

“These are the lives of families on the brink of financial disaster through illness. 

“I am happy to help with solutions and of course continue to help those on the group and beyond, but the banks now need help. 

“The vulture funds need to give breathing space and I am asking for support on these measures.”