For many people living in the UK, especially within migrant and diaspora communities, access to legal help often comes at the most difficult moments in life. Issues like housing disputes, job loss, family breakdown, or mounting debt can quickly become overwhelming, particularly for those unfamiliar with the legal system or unable to afford private legal advice.
At Chijos News, we focus on how government decisions shape everyday realities for people navigating life in the UK. A new government funding package aims to remove some of these barriers by strengthening access to free and early legal advice, helping individuals and families resolve problems before they escalate into court battles or long-term hardship.
Nearly £20 Million Boost to Legal Support Aims to Improve Access to Justice
The government has announced nearly £20 million in new funding to expand legal support services across England and Wales over the next three years. The investment is part of the government’s wider Plan for Change, designed to improve access to justice and ensure people receive timely legal advice when facing life-changing challenges.
The new grant programme will run from October next year until March 2029 and will support organisations providing social welfare and family legal advice. It is intended to help people dealing with issues such as debt, employment disputes, housing insecurity and family breakdown, particularly at early stages when advice can prevent situations from spiralling out of control.
For individuals facing eviction, bankruptcy or sudden changes in family circumstances, early access to legal support can mean the difference between stability and crisis. The funding is designed to ensure people can get help before they reach court, where legal costs can quickly become unaffordable and outcomes more damaging.
The initiative is also expected to support those struggling with debt by offering early guidance on managing finances and avoiding further financial deterioration. By intervening sooner, advice services can reduce stress, anxiety and long-term hardship, helping people rebuild their lives on a more secure footing.
The Access to Justice Foundation will administer and manage the grant, with organisations across the advice sector invited to apply. These services play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that access to justice is not determined by income, background or immigration status.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said it was essential that people facing some of life’s toughest situations are not left without support. He emphasised that issues such as debt, eviction and family disputes can have lasting consequences if left unaddressed, and that this funding will help ensure vital legal advice is available to those who need it most.
Alongside the new funding, the government has also confirmed a six-month extension to two existing legal support programmes, the Improving Outcomes Through Legal Support Grant and the Online Support and Advice Grant. These extensions, which will run until September 2026, are designed to ensure continuity of services while the new programme is rolled out.
The government says it is also working closely with legal advice providers and sector partners on longer-term reforms aimed at building a legal support system that is more effective, efficient and sustainable. The goal is to reduce pressure on courts, prevent crises before they occur, and make sure people can access help when it matters most.
For many within the Nigerian and wider African diaspora, where housing insecurity, employment disputes and family legal issues can be compounded by limited awareness of available support, this funding represents a step towards a fairer and more accessible justice system.