To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many households have received financial support under the (a) mortgage rescue scheme and (b) mortgage homeowners support scheme. (284169)

The mortgage rescue scheme has been operational across England since January 2009. As part of the monitoring arrangements for the scheme, headline data for January to May 2009, provided by local authorities operating the scheme and broken down by Government office region, are available on the Department's website. The figures can be assessed using the following link:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/mortgagerescuestatistics

The aim of homeowners mortgage support is to prevent repossessions, where households suffer a temporary income shock. The Government have published an impact assessment, which estimates how many borrowers, at UK level, could be eligible. Official figures on the number of households entering the scheme will be published later this year.

In the current economic conditions, we have acted rapidly to put in place help and support for households struggling with their mortgage at every stage: from free debt advice when problems start, to free support for cases that reach court. Advice is available to all households struggling with their mortgage, with targeted schemes for those in most need.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many homeowners are in receipt of assistance under the Homeowner Mortgage Protection Scheme. (284279)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Tamworth (Mr. Jenkins) on 1 July 2009, Official Report, column 317W.