Press/Media: Newspaper Article
| Title | ‘I’m sitting on a timebomb’: legal action gives renewed hope to 200,000 mortgage prisoners |
|---|---|
| Degree of recognition | International |
| Media name/outlet | The Independent |
| Primary Media type | Web |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| Date | 23/01/20 |
| Description | Many homeowners have been trapped paying thousands of pounds over the odds for more than a decade; but now there may be a way out. A recent survey by campaign group, UK Mortgage Prisoners, revealed harrowing accounts of life-threatening health problems; strokes, heart attacks, family breakdowns and even suicides triggered by the prolonged stress. “It’s debilitating. All I’ve done over the past nine years is complain,” says Balboni. “I actually broke down in 2012. I had to have six months off work. “It’s very difficult at times,” she adds, holding back tears. Like many other mortgage prisoners, it was only recently that Balboni realised she was not alone. She is among around 200,000 people in a similar situation, some of whom are now fighting back by suing the companies that own their mortgages. The group’s argument, being put forward by specialist solicitors Harcus Parker, rests on a simple principle: they have not been treated fairly. The law firm is acting on a no win, no-fee basis to try and claim back overpayments and unfair charges. |
| Producer/Author | Ben Chapman |
| Persons | Cara Molyneux |