Legal aid ‘deserts’ caused by cuts mean vital housing advice missing say lawyers

FAMILIES IN large parts of Britain are being denied vital housing advice because of “legal aid deserts” which have emerged due to Government cuts, the Law Society has warned.

Almost a third of legal aid areas have just one or no legal aid solicitors who specialise in housing advice, according to an analysis of official figures by the Law Society.

Rural areas including Cornwall, Somerset and central Wales are among those with poor provision, while Surrey, Shropshire and Suffolk have no housing provider at all. This has left many vulnerable families without vital support and advice, the association said.

Catherine Dixon, chief executive of the Law Society, said: “Advice on housing is vital for people who are facing eviction, the homeless and those renting a property in serious disrepair.

“Early legal advice on housing matters can make the difference between a family being made homeless or not.

“People who require legal aid advice for housing issues often need it urgently. Families are unable to access justice because they cannot afford to travel to see the one provider in their area who may be located long distances from where they live.”

She also warned that cuts to legal aid could cost the taxpayer more in the long run.

Ms Dixon said yesterday: “The impact of homelessness on individuals can be huge – but it also hits the public purse. And, just as legal advice deserts have opened up, the demand for housing has escalated.”