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Law Centres welcome new government Covid-19 support

Monday 4 May, 2020

The UK government has today announced that Law Centres are among frontline charities awarded emergency support to continue their work through the Covid-19 crisis.

The Law Centres Network (LCN) will distribute a grant of £3 million to its local Law Centres across England and Wales. This will allow them to continue defending the rights of over 200,000 people a year, who live in communities badly affected by Covid-19 to protect their homes, access financial support and benefits, get vital health and care services, keep their jobs, get paid what they have earnt and challenge discrimination.


The funding, part of £5.4 million in funding announced today, replaces legal aid income lost due to Coronavirus-related restrictions, such as the closure of half the courts in the country and the suspension of housing possession proceedings, where legal aid lawyers defend tenants from eviction and homelessness.


The news comes nearly a month after the government’s announcement of a £750 million support package for the UK voluntary sector. At the time, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:


“Charities are playing a crucial role in the national fight against coronavirus, supporting those who are most in need… This will ensure our key charities can continue to deliver the services that millions of people up and down the country rely on.”

Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, Law Centres have remained open and continued to serve their clients and communities, while adapting face-to-face services to social distancing. However, as small charities, the loss of income due to the pandemic was threatening their work and existence, on the eve of the movement’s 50th anniversary.


Justice Minister Alex Chalk said today:


"Law Centres and charities in the advice sector play a vital role in helping people access justice and resolve their legal problems. That is why they should be supported to continue to operate safely and effectively during the Covid-19 pandemic."

Helen Rogers, chair of trustees of the Law Centres Network, said:


“We thank the government for this vital support, which will allow Law Centres to continue to defend people’s homes, lives and livelihoods. The pandemic’s uneven impact is a grim reminder of the deep inequality in our society that affects every aspect of life. This support recognises the key role of legal assistance in reducing inequality and bringing justice for all.”

ENDS


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