Law Society unsurprisingly cautions against replacing legal advice with mediation
With the UK government ending its eviction ban today and tapering down emergency measures from June the Law Society of England and Wales president, Stephanie Boyce, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been a testing time for landlords and tenants alike. As we mark the end of the eviction ban, we urge the UK government to be cautious of next steps and to act in the best interest of the public.”
For people already struggling with rent before the pandemic hit, arrears got worse for 40% of this group.
In November to December 2020, 9% of private renters – 350,000 households – were currently in arrears, up from 3% in 2019 to 2020.
Stephanie Boyce added: “Legal advice must be available to all tenants facing eviction from their homes, no matter the circumstances surrounding the eviction, particularly when homelessness is a likely outcome. The earlier the advice can be received the better.
“While all efforts should be made to keep tenants and landlords talking and to ensure court litigation is undertaken as a last resort, caution should continue to be exercised around replacing legal advice with mediation.
“While the cases of Covid-19 have significantly reduced, the economic impacts of the pandemic continue. A balancing of tenant and landlord rights, therefore, needs to continue to be undertaken.”
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Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16
11:34 AM, 1st June 2021, About 5 years ago
Yes, heaven forbid that disputes could be resolved without legal Aid practitioners ‘ Trouser’ing ‘ large amounts of Tax-payers money.
Member Since September 2019 - Comments: 251
12:06 PM, 1st June 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Chris @ Possession Friend at 01/06/2021 – 11:34
Honestly, legal aid pays a pittance. You will not find solicitors getting rich from legal aid cases.
Often they go out of their way to avoid them, they pay that little.
Member Since October 2019 - Comments: 394
12:10 PM, 1st June 2021, About 5 years ago
As a L.L. I too have bills to pay and all the shop doorways are full – what do I do?
Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16
12:15 PM, 1st June 2021, About 5 years ago
Continuous and repetitive legal Aid, every time a career criminal is caught, ( or numerous legal representations for evictions ) is a waste of Tax-payers money – however much is paid.
Legal Aid should only be available ONCE ( per type of case )
Member Since June 2014 - Comments: 1562
12:33 PM, 1st June 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by The Forever Tenant at 01/06/2021 – 12:06
Legal aid lawyer £50-£70 per hour;
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/308903/LAA-2010-payment-annex-2.pdf
NHS junior doctor £17 per hour;
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Hourly-Pay/NHS-NHS-Junior-Doctor-Hourly-Pay-E12873_D_KO4,21.htm