Beleaguered homeowners will soon be able to avail of the services of an independent third party facilitator to advise and engage with AIB Group on their behalf. The initiative, which is free of charge, applies to all customers of AIB Group - including EBS and Haven - and will be operational from November 18th.

Advice will be provided on a fully independent basis by a group of advisers from the the Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation (IMHO), who will assist customers with the completion of Standard Financial Statement (SFS), which is a key component for determining the most suitable solution for the resolution of the arrears. This assistance will be provided over the phone, online or in person.

David Hall, director of the IMHO, said that the initiative is " ground breaking".

“Customers of AIB Group who are experiencing difficulty paying their mortgage will have the benefit of free and independent professional advice to help them engage with AIB Group and reach a sustainable solution,” he said, adding that the the unique arrangement will help to drastically reduce the pressure and fear that many borrowers feel.

Head of the financial solutions group at AIB, Brendan O’Connor, said that the initiative came about because some customers are reluctant to deal with the bank directly.