A multi-million pound grant will expand free legal support for people facing debt, house repossession, or custody battles, the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 23 December. The nearly £20 million funding, spread over the next three years, is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to improve access to justice. It aims to help individuals dealing with debt, employment, housing, and family issues access vital legal advice and support.
The grant, which will run from October next year to March 2029, will provide timely legal assistance to those on the brink of life-changing situations such as eviction or bankruptcy. By offering help before cases reach court, the funding will protect people from costly legal bills they cannot afford and provide guidance to prevent financial difficulties from worsening.
The initiative will also offer early advice to individuals with debt problems, helping them manage their finances effectively, reduce stress, and establish a stable foundation for their lives. The Access to Justice Foundation will administer and manage the grant, inviting applications from organizations across the legal and advice sector. These organizations play a crucial role in ensuring access to justice, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy emphasized the importance of providing support to those facing challenging life situations. He noted that the funding will ensure essential legal support and information is available to those who need it most while placing the sector on a sustainable footing as part of the broader Plan for Change.
In addition, the government has extended the two existing legal support grant programs—the Improving Outcomes Through Legal Support Grant and the Online Support and Advice Grant—by six months until September 2026. This extension guarantees the continued provision of essential services while the government works with partners across the sector to develop a long-term program aimed at making the legal support system more effective, efficient, and sustainable.
