Govt can aid those at risk of eviction from own flat

I applaud the Fresh Start Housing Scheme, which will help low-income families who live in rental units and would otherwise be stuck in poverty (“Plan to help families in rental flats could be ready early next year”; Aug 25).

However, I urge the Government to take it a step further and consider families who own a flat, but owe a significant amount of arrears and are in danger of eviction.

After being evicted, these families would most likely have to move into a rental flat, which I presume would make them eligible for the new housing scheme.

Instead of this process playing out, the proactive step is to offer families with significant arrears the option to sell their flat and give them access to the scheme, so the profit from the sale can pay for their arrears, outstanding loan and new flat.

With stricter conditions that will be in place, we can be assured that the only profit recipients of this good scheme would have is a fresh start to rebuild their lives and their children’s lives, and break out of poverty.