Families in the former Avon area in fear of losing their homes have been promised more help to keep the roof over their heads.

Housing minister John Healey said Government will force mortgage lenders to inform local authorities as soon as action is taken against any property in the district.

It will mean people are not left to struggle without being given the appropriate advice and support, he said.

Between April and June this year 175 repossession actions were started on homeowners in Bristol by lenders, a further 35 in Bath and North East Somerset, and 85 in both North Somerset and South Gloucestershire – the first step in seizing a property.

In a speech at the Labour party conference in Brighton Mr Healey said: "From this week lenders will have to tell local councils, as they file for repossession action in the courts. Councils can the offer advice, or help with our special rescue schemes."

Interest rates have been repeatedly slashed since April 2008 from 5 per cent to the current 0.5 per cent as the Bank of England tries to encourage more lending. People on variable mortgages would have seen their payments fall significantly.