The legal advice sector is set to receive £5.4 million investment in a bid to help people seeking advice with housing, debt, discrimination and employment issues.
The money will be distributed amongst not for profit organisations and Law Centres across England and Wales.
Given the increase in people seeking advice regarding a number of legal issues, because of the coronavirus outbreak, the funding will allow organisations to increase capacity and deliver services remotely.
Justice Minister, Alex Chalk said:
“Law Centres and charities in the advice sector play a vital role in helping people access justice and resolve their legal problems. That is why they should be supported to continue to operate safely and effectively during the Covid-19 pandemic
“This additional £5.4 million support fund will help do just that – giving providers the support they need to boost remote capability and help as many people as possible during these challenging times.”
Ruth Daniel, Chief Executive of The Access to Justice Foundation, said:
“We are delighted with this support for specialist social welfare legal advice agencies who are providing essential help to people and communities at this difficult time. The Community Justice Fund will work in partnership with the sector to support organisations with their response to the current challenges they are facing and aims to help the sector to emerge from it stronger and more resilient than it was before the crisis.”
Helen Rogers, The Law Centres Network chairperson, commented:
“We thank the government for this vital support, which will allow Law Centres to continue to defend people’s homes, lives and livelihoods. The pandemic’s uneven impact is a grim reminder of the deep inequality in our society that affects every aspect of life. This support recognises the key role of legal assistance in reducing inequality and bringing justice for all.”
