FIAT PUNTO W reg - POWER STEARING HAS GONE?

Last year my power steering went, luckily before its MOT (won't pass without it) was due, it came back on, but it has gone again for some time now with the occasional time when it will return. I have been told that it is an electrical problem which is very costly to repair and is a manufacturing problem with Puntos. Anybody know anymore or a cheaper option. I love my Punto, and seems a shame that I will have to scrap it and would be keen to find an economical way to get my power steering back.