More than 33,000 people have been helped to tackle family, debt and housing issues thanks to over £3 million of government driven, taxpayer-funded investment in legal support
Support has helped with a total of 36,000 issues over the last 2 years. This has saved thousands of people the stress and expense of a court hearing.
It has offered vital support to people facing issues such as house repossession, managing debt, or seeking help over childcare or custody agreements.
An evaluation report published today (17 November 2023) shows the majority of those seeking support were women and nearly everyone coming to advisors found the right help.
The early legal advice led to increased income for those who were directed to help like the carers’ allowances, and people reporting feelings of greater independence and improved wellbeing.
Justice Minister Lord Bellamy KC said:
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has provided over £25 million of taxpayer funds to organisations providing legal support for litigants in person since 2015. The £3.2 million 2 year scheme was launched in 2020 between the MOJ and Access to Justice Foundation.
Clare Carter, CEO of Access to Justice Foundation, said:
The research is published as the Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk speaks at the Civil Justice Council National Forum about the importance of early intervention for those facing legal issues.
Other activity supported by the government include a partnership between the MOJ and Citizens Advice to deliver the Flourish Wellbeing Hub in the Wirral which provides access to early legal advice alongside healthcare provision to tackle complex or multiple issues in one space.
The Hub opened in November 2022 and will continue to benefit from a total of £145,000 of MOJ investment, funded by taxpayers, up to 2025.
Social welfare and legal advice is provided through organisations including Citizens Advice, Involve Northwest and Age UK, who can quickly work together with other partners Mind UK and Grow Change Live to identify solutions and provide the right support before problems worsen.
Reports into supportive initiatives run by the department are published today online here:
Housing Disrepair Online Signposting Tool Report