Falkirk Council is to join the national Mortgage to Rent Scheme which aims to help people in financial difficulty who may face losing their homes.

On Tuesday's meeting of the Housing and Social Care Committee they agreed to recommend participation in the scheme to the Policy and Resources Committee.

The scheme helps by allowing people to remain in their home by selling it to a social landlord and becoming a tenant of that landlord.

There are a number of criteria under which people are eligible to apply for Mortgage to Rent which is targeted at lower value properties, the Committee heard.

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Applicants must already have taken independent financial advice about their situation and not be eligible for any UK Government Support Scheme such as Income Support for Mortgage Interest.

The Council would receive grant for the purchase price up to the maximum allowed under the scheme, up to £6,000 for repairs necessary to bring any property up to Scottish Housing Quality Standard as well as a £900 administration fee for the cost of surveying and conveyancing, from the Scottish Government.

Stuart Ritchie, Director of Corporate & Neighbourhood Services, said: "The Mortgage to Rent Scheme is very detailed and it will not be the answer for everyone getting into financial difficulties. However, by becoming involved in the scheme Falkirk Council may be able to help some people from losing their homes."

(GK/JM)