MoJ confirms more than £10 million grant funding for charities via the ‘Improving Outcomes Through Legal Support’ programme

Grants awarded to 59 organisations across England and Wales to fund free legal advice and support services for those facing welfare, housing, family or debt issues

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has confirmed more than £10 million grant funding for charities via the ‘Improving Outcomes Through Legal Support’ programme.

Following an invitation to apply for funding in March 2023, the Access to Justice Foundation (AtJF) has announced that a total of 59 organisations – including law centres and local Citizens Advice – based across England and Wales will receive a total of £10.4 million in funding to support their work to sustain and improve access to early social welfare and family legal advice, specialist casework and, where court or tribunal proceedings are needed, the support needed to help people navigate the process effectively.

The AtJF – who have administered the funding – adds –

'The grant programme launched on 1 July 2023. We will be working together with this cohort to support the effective delivery of advice services and collate a robust learning and evidence base to make the case for future funding …

This grant will help thousands more people get access to early legal help and receive support through court proceedings to solve their legal issues. We continue to make the case for more funding for the sector to ensure free legal advice continues to be provided where it’s most needed.'

Confirming that the funding will be utilised over the next 2 years, Justice Minister Lord Bellamy said today –

'Early intervention makes a huge difference in preventing legal problems from snowballing, saving people time, money and stress.

Those in need should be able to access advice and help as soon as an issue arises which is why we are ensuring even more people can be supported by investing millions in the system.'

For more information, see Record investment to see thousands more benefit from free legal support from gov.uk and Announcing the Improving Outcomes Through Legal Support grant programme! from atjf.org.uk