We know a guy who is a professional photographer. He does weddings, and real estate, and takes videos of the auctions (apparently you need a record of the auction these days).
2 years ago, he used to video tape foreclosure auctions at 1 per month, now it's 4 to 6 a week. Banks don't care, as they get the auction price, and then can go after the "owner" for the balance.
Govt handouts, while seeming to appease the voters, usually end up appeasing "mates" more often, and when you scratch a little deeper.
Like my views on car industry handouts...rather than developing a corporate welfare system, the Govt should assist if they can, but the assets should then pass to the Govt, and be bought back by sensible business practices.