Today, a new Government-backed scheme launched providing free legal advice to help 38,000 people a year at risk of losing their home but is yet a further blow for landlords.
People facing eviction or repossession in England and Wales will be able to receive expert legal advice free of charge, to avoid lengthy, costly court proceedings.??
The advice will be available from the moment a written notice is received by a tenant or homeowner, which could be in the form of an email from a landlord or letter from a mortgage provider. They will also be able to have legal representation in court, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Legal support for housing, debt and welfare benefit matters will help with the wider issues individuals at risk of losing their home may face. It is part of an extra £10 million a year being pumped into housing legal aid by the Government.????
This wrap-around care is expected to help tens of thousands of families a year to keep their homes, improve their finances and gain access to support to improve their health and life prospects.
A dedicated webpage has launched today for anyone looking to access the free advice.
Justice Minister Lord Bellamy said:?
“Having access to the right legal advice at the earliest point possible is crucial for those who face losing their home, to ensure they have the support and help they need.
“We are creating this new service so that fewer people lose their home and can get help with their finances and resolve issues before they escalate.”
While many issues can be resolved with the help of free legal advice, Government-funded legal representation will also be offered on the day of hearings for cases that do reach the courts.
The Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service supports wider Government work to reduce homelessness and improve the private rented sector for responsible renters and good faith landlords through the Renters’ (Reform) Bill.??
Changes under the Bill, which is going through Parliament, will abolish the use of “no-fault” evictions, empowering renters to challenge poor landlords without fear of losing their home.
Sherrelle Collman, Managing Dircetor of Caridon Landlord Solutions, said: "While this news will mean more tenants get advice earlier, the likely and unintended consequence will be more tenants also getting full legal aid, so that landlords end up fighting more lengthy and costly court battles.
This scheme makes it more likely for a case to go to a full day trial – it will put tenants at a significant advantage and give them the opportunity to fight harder with defence because if they lose the case they won't have to pay the costs so they will have nothing to lose."