Tenants get access to £16m fund for free eviction legal advice

Renters facing eviction will get earlier access to free legal advice through a £16m government fund covering England and Wales.

Help will also be available for benefit disputes, problem debt and family breakdown, with support offered online as well as in person.

The government’s Legal Support Grant will fund 48 frontline organisations to assist thousands of vulnerable people.

Charities and advice providers taking part include Citizens Advice and Shelter Cymru.

Help with eviction

The minister for courts and legal services, Sarah Sackman, said: “When people face eviction, mounting debts or family breakdown, getting the right help at the right time can make all the difference.

“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 programme will run from this month to March 2029 and will be administered by the Access to Justice Foundation.

It forms part of more than £25m invested in legal support services by the government.

Access to justice

Providers will help people understand their rights and resolve disputes, with the aim of avoiding homelessness, financial hardship and unnecessary court action.

The government says earlier advice will also reduce pressure on courts by addressing problems before they reach a crisis.

Access to Justice Foundation chief executive Clare Carter 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.”

Alongside funding frontline services, the programme will gather evidence about which approaches to legal support work, to inform future investment.