The Scottish Parliament is expected to pass the Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Bill into law today as it passes through its 3rd stage at Holyrood.

The Bill, which introduces substantial protections for homeowners against repossession of their property by lenders, has cross party support.

The bill introduces more rigorous control of lenders and affords greater opportunities for homeowners to retain their properties.

"The Scottish government's action to bring forward these additional protections for homeowners is timely, particularly amid the current financial climate, and Scotland's flagship commitment to give everyone the right to a home by 2012.,"  said Graeme Brown, director of housing charity Shelter Scotland.

The bill is opposed by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, who said the bill was "likely to mean that our members are faced with
additional legal costs."