A new legal support grant announced by the government last Christmas has finally commenced, with Shelter Cymru among the 48 beneficiaries. However, while courts minister Sarah Sackman said the £16m grant will give families facing eviction, mounting debts or a family breakdown ‘breathing space’, the Law Society said the impact will be limited.
The grant, which runs from October 2026 to March 2029, was announced by David Lammy last December to support families needing social welfare and family support, and to put the legal aid sector on a ‘sustainable footing’.
Lammy had announced a £20m grant whereas the ministry’s announcement this week refers to a £16m grant. The department told the Gazette that some of the cash was spent extending previous grants.
Announcing the £16m 'legal lifeline' this week, Sackman said: ‘When people face eviction, mounting debts or family breakdown, getting the right help at the right time can make all the difference. This important investment will help people across the country access trusted advice earlier, preventing problems from spiralling into crisis and giving families the breathing space they need to get back on track.’
The Society welcomed the funding, but president Mark Evans said the ‘one-off investment’ would have a 'limited impact'.
‘Moreover, these organisations cannot be effective unless they are able to refer on those clients who need more specialist advice and representation. This grant is no substitute for reversing the effect of poor legal aid funding by successive governments. Without a clear commitment to ensure the sustainability of these vital public services through regular investment, more local legal aid provision will be forced to shut down,’ Evans added.
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