The number of families across Bradford faced with losing their homes is falling slightly quicker than in other parts of West Yorkshire.

Mortgage lenders started 230 repossession claims, the first stage in taking back a property, across the district between October and December last year – down 32 per cent on the same period in 2008.

Across West Yorkshire repossession claims fell by 29 per cent in the same period.

According to new figures 1,305 families across Bradford had action started against them in January to December 2009, down 31 per cent on 2008.

Interest rates have remained at 0.5 per cent as the Bank of England tries to encourage more lending.

The Commons Treasury Select Committee has announced it is going to carry out an inquiry looking at households that were struggling with mortgage arrears and at threat from repossession.

It will focus on the way firms handle homeowners who are in difficulties, and look at how effective the Financial Services Auth-ority is at enforcing its requirements over the way borrowers should be treated.

Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said: “The mortgage industry and the Government are working hard to minimise the threat of repossession to people struggling with debt.”

Across England 16,850 claims were made between October and December, down 27 per cent on the same quarter a year ago.