Families facing eviction, problem debt, benefit disputes and family breakdown are set to receive earlier access to free legal advice through a new £16 million Government fund.
The Legal Support Grant, launching tomorrow (1st October), will provide funding to 48 frontline organisations across England and Wales between October 2026 and March 2029.
The Government says the scheme will help thousands of people resolve legal problems before they escalate into more serious financial hardship, homelessness or court proceedings.
Charities and advice organisations, including Citizens Advice and Shelter Cymru, will use the funding to expand free legal support both online and in person.
The support will help people understand their rights, resolve disputes and access practical advice at an earlier stage, with the aim of preventing problems from developing into crises.
Sarah Sackman KC, Minister for Courts and Legal Services, said early access to advice could make a significant difference to families facing difficult circumstances.
‘When people face eviction, mounting debts or family breakdown, getting the right help at the right time can make all the difference,’ she said.
‘This important investment will help people across the country access trusted advice earlier, preventing problems from spiralling into crisis and giving families the breathing space they need to get back on track.’
The Government said the programme is also intended to reduce pressure on the courts by helping people resolve disputes before they reach legal proceedings.
The £16 million investment will be administered by the Access to Justice Foundation and forms part of a wider Government programme to improve access to legal support.
The Government says more than £25 million has already been invested in legal support services, aimed at helping people tackle problems at an earlier stage.
As well as providing direct support, the new programme will collect evidence about which approaches to legal advice are most effective. This will be used to inform future investment and help ensure support reaches people most in need.
The Government has also linked the scheme to wider measures intended to ease financial pressures on households, including support with transport costs and household energy bills.
Clare Carter, CEO of the Access to Justice Foundation said: ‘Across England and Wales, too many people face legal problems that affect every aspect of their lives, from keeping a roof over their head to supporting their family or securing the income they rely on.
‘The organisations funded through this programme provide trusted support when people need it most. By investing in their long-term strength and resilience, we can help ensure more people access the legal support they need, while building a stronger understanding of what works to improve access to justice.’
Photo: Allan Vega
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