Demand for legal aid for tenants dealing with eviction

Demand for legal aid for tenants dealing with eviction

0:03 AM, 27th October 2023, About 7 months ago 14

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An association is demanding the government give more legal aid to tenants facing eviction.

The Law Society warns tenants on low incomes will be unable to afford legal advice if they face eviction.

The association is urging the government to invest in the legal aid system and the courts.

Access to housing legal aid becomes vital

According to the Office of National Statistics, 42% of the population are unable to access a legal aid provider in their local area.

During the second reading of the Renters’ Reform Bill, the government confirmed the delay of Section 21 until it has improved the state of the courts which are currently suffering from significant backlogs.

Law Society president, Nick Emmerson, said: “We welcome the Renters’ Reform Bill and are pleased the government recognises the need to ban ‘no-fault’ evictions.

“However, we remain concerned about the government’s ability to ensure tenants can enforce these newly afforded rights under the bill.”

He added: “With the cost-of-living crisis and high-interest rates, renters may be unable to afford legal advice if they face eviction. For renters at risk of losing their home, access to housing legal aid becomes vital.”

Access justice and are protected when facing eviction

Mr Emerson added the court backlog will only worsen if tenants can not access legal aid.

He continued: “Renters who are unable to access legal aid will be forced to represent themselves which will place additional pressure on the courts and exacerbate court delays.

“We urge the government to invest in both the legal aid system and the courts to ensure renters can access justice and are protected when facing eviction.

“Without immediate investment, the Renters’ Reform Bill’s commitment to progress and reforming the rental market will be in vain.”


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Comments

Blodwyn

11:44 AM, 28th October 2023, About 7 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Michael Booth at 28/10/2023 - 08:11
Those are the solicitors Mr and Mrs Booth would probably not have working for them! I hope I don't light a fire but my insurance colleagues referred to the Merseyside Mafia, they acted for the chaps who pulled up sharply in front of an innocent driver and screamed 'Whiplash'!! Or perhaps invent a claim against the Forces? We all know them, it's a smell of an old fridge with bits still in? I'm afraid some are still about....

Neil T

20:18 PM, 29th October 2023, About 7 months ago

Oh no, the poor tenants might not be able to afford legal advice if they face eviction. However will they cope without the government handing them everything on a silver platter? It's not like they agreed to a contract when they moved in, knowing full well they might someday be evicted if they violated the terms. But sure, let's just keep throwing more taxpayer money at the legal aid system because personal responsibility is so last century. And of course the all-knowing Law Society knows exactly how to fix the court backlogs - just give them more money! That's always worked flawlessly in every other government institution.

Mr Blueberry

6:31 AM, 1st November 2023, About 7 months ago

Interestingly the Courts have relatively less monies available for legal aid than at anytime; and around fourteen local authorities (and increasing monthly), have, or are, near to issuing section 114 notices i.e bankruptcy notices. So Mr Gove is correct in saying the court system needs to be able to function properly before the RRB is introduced - which at present it clearly isn't.

It's noteworthy that Landlords are seriously underrepresented and I do suspect they will form a new 'Group' or 'Association' for the purposes of streamlining judicial reviews and challenging the incompatibility of law, incompetent Councils and wayward Tenants.

Time will tell but it seems the housing crisis has a long way to go as all parties are attempting to take the high moral platform and expect others to pay.

Unfortunately even a fair portion of the total number of landlords who receive rent have insufficient income to pay their increased costs so it will come as no surprise to see the present senerio of landlords selling and reinvesting elsewhere. This leaves, near bankrupt, or in many case completely bankrupt local authorities unable to provide housing as per their legal requirement due to their financial plights. It may have helped had all parties sat down and thrashed this out with a sensible agreed plan rather than starting a blame war followed by a regulatory process that strangles itself by loosing its golden nugget - the availability of cheap housing.

Blodwyn

9:07 AM, 1st November 2023, About 7 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Mr Blueberry at 01/11/2023 - 06:31
Mr Blueberry points to the obvious, that calm and positive discussion is good, shambles is not. Sadly, there seems very little joined up thinking in government, they are far too ready with 'we have poured record sums...' without saying who got it and what they did with it?

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