The UK government’s announcement of a multi-million-pound funding package to expand access to free legal advice for people in England facing eviction or home repossession has been welcomed as a step in the right direction, though further reforms are needed to ensure the system works effectively for all parties, Propertymark has said.
Almost £20m has been allocated over the next three years to support legal advice services for people dealing with issues including debt, employment, housing and family matters.
Deputy prime minister David Lammy said the funding was aimed at ensuring those facing some of the most challenging situations are able to access the support they need.
Lammy, said: “It is absolutely vital that those facing some of life’s most challenging situations – such as debt, eviction, family issues – are able to access the support they need.
“This funding will ensure that essential legal support and information is available to those who need it most and will put the sector on a sustainable footing, as part of our Plan for Change.”
The investment, which aims to ensure more households can get early, practical legal support to help them stay in their homes or secure alternative accommodation where needed, has been welcomed but greater reform is needed, argued Propertymark.
In a statement on its website, Propertmark states: “Propertymark has long argued that access to justice is a critical part of a well-functioning housing sector. Delays, complexity and under-resourcing within the courts system can be damaging for tenants, landlords and agents alike, often prolonging disputes and increasing costs for all parties.
“We have consistently called for reforms that improve efficiency, fairness and confidence in housing justice. This includes ensuring that people facing possession proceedings can access timely legal advice, while also enabling landlords to resolve legitimate cases without excessive delay.”
It added: “We have previously welcomed steps to improve how housing cases are handled, including proposals to reform enforcement processes and modernise the courts system. We have supported measures that aim to reduce backlogs, improve consistency and ensure cases are dealt with by appropriately trained judges.
“In our engagement with Parliament, including debates in the House of Lords, we have stressed that a justice system which works well benefits everyone in the housing sector. Faster, clearer and more accessible processes help prevent disputes escalating and support better outcomes for tenants and landlords.”
