A government-funded legal support grant helped seven in 10 people avoid court while eight in 10 of those who still needed to go court were better prepared. These are some of the key findings of a Ministry of Justice evaluation that will bolster calls for the government to properly fund the advice sector and legal aid.
An initial £10.4m Improving Outcomes Through Legal Support grant announced in 2023 supported 59 organisations, including 24 Citizens Advice and law centres, to deliver legal support on civil issues such as housing, debt, family and immigration.
According to the evaluation, the funding supported 110,000 clients with 163,000 issues between October 2023 and March 2025. Seven in 10 people who received initial support resolved their problems earlier and avoided court. Eight in 10 clients who still needed to go to court were better prepared for the hearing and potential outcomes.
The report provides three case studies of people who were supported.
Isaac was severely disabled, previously refused welfare benefits and at risk of becoming homeless. Unable to heat his home, he battled chest infections, which were potentially fatal. He successfully appealed the Department of Work and Pensions’ original decision, avoided becoming homeless and his health improved.
A legal support service helped domestic abuse victim John, who was married with two children, represent himself at court and obtain a 12-month non-molestation order against his wife. As well as supporting John through the court process, the legal support service linked up with Social Services to ensure the children were safe.
Amina, who suffered from long-term health issues, was struggling to manage bills and feeling overwhelmed after being denied financial support. A caseworker supported her applications for welfare benefits and council tax reductions, and arranged for Amina to receive bespoke cost-saving guidance. Amina received a £14,000 uplift.
The evaluation also reveals that grants helped recipients leverage further funding and build capacity. One recipient used their grant delivery experience to apply for a legal aid contract. Recipients hired and upskilled staff.
The current grant programme, which the government has extended twice, will end in September. A £20m grant announced by justice secretary David Lammy before Christmas will run from October to March 2029.
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