Renters facing eviction in England and Wales will receive earlier access to free legal advice through a new £16m government fund. The Legal Support Grant will also offer support for benefit disputes, problem debt, and family breakdown, with services available both online and in person.
The fund will support 48 frontline organisations, including charities and advice providers such as Citizens Advice and Shelter Cymru, to assist thousands of vulnerable individuals. This initiative is part of a broader government investment exceeding £25m in legal support services.
Sarah Sackman, the minister for courts and legal services, stated that this investment aims to help people access trusted advice earlier, preventing problems from escalating into crises. The programme, administered by the Access to Justice Foundation, is scheduled to run from this month until March 2029.
Providers will help individuals understand their rights and resolve disputes, with the goal of preventing homelessness, financial hardship, and unnecessary court action. The government also anticipates that earlier advice will reduce pressure on courts by addressing issues before they reach a critical stage.