Government boosts legal aid for tenants facing eviction

Generation Rent have praised the government for boosting legal aid for tenants at risk of eviction.

The call comes after the Ministry of Justice announced the biggest rise in funding for housing legal aid fees in more than 30 years.

However, what is often overlooked is that, according to the English Housing Survey Private Rented Sector report for 2021–2022, the vast majority of renters (77%) ended their last tenancy because they chose to move, not because they were evicted.

A turning point for civil legal aid

The new funding follows a consultation on civil legal aid and, once fully rolled out, the government will spend an extra £20 million a year on housing and immigration legal aid.

This includes a 24% increase in overall spending on housing cases.

The fixed fee paid to legal aid providers for housing work will rise by 42%, from £157 to £223.

The Ministry of Justice says this investment will make it easier for vulnerable people facing eviction to access legal advice and support.

Justice Minister, Sarah Sackman KC MP, said: “This vital investment marks a turning point for civil legal aid by boosting funding to build capacity in the sector, helping to enable individuals, regardless of background or income, to uphold their legal rights.

“As part of our Plan for Change, we are ensuring that our legal aid providers can deliver vital support where it’s needed most.”

Easier for people on lower incomes to access justice when facing eviction

On X, formerly Twitter, Generation Rent praised the government for boosting legal aid but claims “more is needed”.

The tenant group said: “A campaign win. The government are increasing legal aid on housing issues for the first time in 30 years.

“This means it’ll be easier for people on lower incomes to access justice when facing evictions and homelessness. More is needed, but this is a great start.”