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The FSA has recognised mainstream lenders are largely complying with its arrears and repossessions requirements. However, I am surprised at the FSA's observations on specialist lenders that have been working extremely hard to manage arrears.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders has urged the FSA to work constructively with those lenders to ensure there is shared understanding and agreement about the FSA's requirements.

The mortgage lending industry is making strenuous efforts to ensure repossession is only taken as a last resort when other realistic alternatives cannot be found that balance the interests of the borrower and the lender.

CML members provide a significant range of information to borrowers to enable them to get access to good quality advice to help them if they face difficulty.

The CML is currently undertaking significant work to address arrears and possessions issues.

This includes a new e-learning training course on arrears and possessions for staff working in lenders' arrears departments, support and technical input to help achieve a workable pre-action protocol for court action relating to arrears cases.

There will also be increased regular dialogue with both consumer groups and government departments to identify how the overall safety net for consumers can be practically improved and to facilitate good channels of communication between lenders and advice agencies.

Sarah Robson is a press officer for the Council of Mortgage Lenders