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<p>Support for Mortgage Interest is designed to provide protection against the threat
of repossession. The new loans system provides exactly the same level of support and
provides exactly the same level of protection from repossession as the previous system.
We continue to work closely with the lending industry to ensure the scheme delivers
its intended aim. The conversion of SMI from a benefit to a loan is estimated to save
around £140m in welfare spending.</p><p> </p><p>The Department is using evidence from
a number of sources to assess the impact of the conversion to a loan on an on-going
basis, including management information on claimant take up and feedback from stakeholder
groups, including via our regular liaison with UK Finance, to assess whether there
are unintended consequences for particular groups.</p>
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