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This fiscal year, charities and organizations that offer legal aid will receive about £4 million, up from the £3 million given in prior years.
The grants will make it possible for people to receive prompt assistance so they can learn how to handle the legal issues they are facing.
For those who choose to represent themselves in civil and family cases, the support will concentrate on helping them resolve their legal issues before they become more complex by providing access to specialized legal advice in person, over the phone, or online.
Additionally, grants will pay for services that will aid people in navigating the legal system, such as online tutorials and in-person support on the day of their court appearance.
It comes after the government’s suggestions that two million more individuals have access to legal aid as a result of modifications to the means test.
The income and capital thresholds will be increased, and applicants’ thresholds won’t be affected by disputed assets, which will help victims of domestic abuse.
Lord Bellamy, QC, Minister of Justice, said:
No matter their financial situation, anyone with a legal issue will have access to help thanks to this funding and broader legal aid reforms.
More people will benefit from the quick, out-of-court resolution of their problems, saving them money and potential stress.
Since 2015, the Ministry of Justice has given £21 million to organizations that assist litigants in person.
According to research, this type of support enables nearly two-thirds of people to settle their disputes outside of court.
The Access to Justice Foundation (ATJF), in collaboration with the department, will oversee the funding; organizations may submit expressions of interest as of right now.
Clare Carter, co-chief executive officer of the ATJF, said:
We are excited to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice on the new grant for “Help Accessing Legal Support.”
The Access to Justice Foundation was established to aid organizations assisting those in need with their legal concerns related to social welfare.
This grant will assist a wide range of legal support and advice organizations in England and Wales in providing prompt legal assistance to those in need.
In real life, this means that more individuals will have access to information that will help them better understand and handle their housing, benefits, debt, work, or family concerns.
This information will be available online, over the phone, or in person. By doing this, more people will have early access to support services before things get out of hand.
Additionally, we’ll be looking to sponsor programs that help people navigate the legal system.
An independent advice agency in East London that helps people with the necessary paperwork and forms, as well as tribunal and court representation on welfare, housing, and debt issues, is one example of the kinds of frontline organizations that have benefited from government funding for legal support in the past.