- Nearly £20 million for legal support over the next three
years
- Funding will help more people facing debt, employment,
housing and family issues access vital advice services
- Part of the Government's Plan for Change to increase access
to justice
The new grant, which will run from October next year to March
2029, is worth nearly £20 million and will improve access to
social welfare and family legal support for those who need help.
It means that those on the edge of life changing moments - like
eviction or bankruptcy - can get the help they need before they
end up in court faced with the prospect of a costly legal bill
they can't afford.
It would also help those with debt problems get early advice on
how to prevent their finances from further spiralling – saving
them stress and anxiety and helping put their lives on a solid
foundation.
The Access to Justice Foundation will administer and manage the
grant, which organisations from across the advice sector are
invited to apply for. These organisations are crucial in
supporting access to justice for everyone, including vulnerable
people.
Deputy Prime Minister, , said:
It is absolutely vital that those facing some of life's most
challenging situations – such as debt, eviction, family issues –
are able to access the support they need.
This funding will ensure that essential legal support and
information is available to those who need it most and will put
the sector on a sustainable footing, as part of our Plan for
Change.
The Deputy Prime Minister has also announced today that the two
current legal support grant programmes, the Improving Outcomes
Through Legal Support Grant and the Online Support and Advice
Grant, have been extended for six months, until September 2026,
ensuring the continued provision of essential services.
The Government is also working closely with partners from across
the sector to drive forward a long-term programme of work to
improve the legal support system and make it more effective,
efficient and sustainable.
