Three schemes are now available to homeowners and tenants in the district who are in danger of repossession.

Bradford Council’s housing service has set up the programmes to offer a vital lifeline to those having difficulty with their mortgages and rent.

Breathing Space began last month and is a regional loans scheme which aims to prevent homelessness by providing up to three-year interest-free loans of between £2,000 and £15,000 to allow people to get back on their feet.

The Council signed up to this programme in October and had already received a number of inquiries prior to its launch.

The newly-started Repossession Prevention Fund provides loans of up to £5,000 to help homeowners and tenants manage when their income is temporarily interrupted by short-term unemployment or sickness.

And the Government Mortgage Rescue Scheme allows borrowers to either get an equity loan with the housing association administering the scheme or the association buys the property and the householder becomes the tenant and pays rent.

The three schemes are co-ordinated by the district’s largest social landlord, Incommunities, under its Open Moves programme on behalf of the Council. Open Moves provides a package of housing options services for local people.

Councillor Adrian Naylor, the Council’s executive member for regeneration and the economy, said: “People should act quickly to see how we can help now all three schemes are on offer throughout the Bradford district.

“The sooner they seek help, the better the chances that they can remain in their home.”

Those struggling to pay their mortgage or rent should call Incommunities’ Open Moves for advice on 0845 141 6666.

Eligibility criteria apply to all the schemes and financial and debt advice is provided alongside the assistance.