Housing legal aid increasingly out of reach
On Digital Shop, Solicitors’ Journal and Landlord Zone reports our concern that housing legal aid is increasingly lacking as more households are at risk of losing their home.
The latest Ministry of Justice Statistics found that mortgage possessions increased by 40% and landlord possessions (evictions) rose by 23% compared to the same quarter in 2022.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “At a time when the cost-of-living crisis and rising interest rates mean more and more families are struggling with their housing costs, access to housing legal aid is vital. It can make the difference between people keeping or losing their home.
“We are pleased the government launched its review of civil legal aid sustainability earlier this year, but unless we see significant and immediate investment across the legal aid system including housing, more of these schemes will collapse leaving people without help when they need it.
“The people behind today’s statistics cannot wait a year and half until the civil legal aid review. They need investment now so they can stay in their home.”
New board chair announced
The Gazette, New Law Journal and Dispatchist report that Amerdeep Somal has been appointed as our next board chair. Lubna is quoted.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “I am delighted to welcome Amerdeep to the Law Society and look forward to working with her in the run up to her taking over the role of Chair.
“As a solicitor with extensive board experience across a range of settings, Amerdeep brings with her a depth of knowledge which will benefit our members, the solicitor profession and the public.”
Also worth a read: