New free legal advice for people facing eviction or repossession

A new government-backed scheme providing free legal advice to help 38,000 people a year at risk of losing their home launches today (August 1st 2023).

People facing eviction or repossession in England and Wales will be able to receive expert legal advice free of charge, helping them to keep their homes and 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. Further information on the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service can be found on GOV.UK. Those facing eviction or repossession can find their nearest Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service provider by typing in their postcode and ticking the box ‘Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service’ at: find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk