Why we exist
Justice shouldn’t depend on your postcode or bank balance
Those most in need can’t access the legal advice that could keep them in their homes, protect them from abuse, or secure the benefits they’re entitled to.
We exist to change this.
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people with unresolved legal issues
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average population without access to legal aid provision
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population living in poverty in the UK
Every year, over 34 million people in England and Wales face a legal problem, for 11 million of our neighbours, colleagues, and community members, the help needed to resolve these issues never comes[1].
Most people in England and Wales don’t have access to a local provider of free advice in the areas where they need it most: housing, immigration, welfare benefits, education, and community care[2].
[1] Online survey of individuals’ handling of legal issues in England and Wales 2023 – The Legal Services Board
The people facing these challenges are more likely to be those most in need, people experiencing poverty, those with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities. These are the people least able to pay for specialist legal advice, yet most likely to need it for complex, life-altering issues.
We know what works
From years of funding access to free legal advice we’ve learned advice doesn’t just solve individual problems, it bolsters communities and strengthens society.
Early intervention prevents crisis
When people can access legal advice quickly, they resolve issues before they spiral into emergency situations[3]. This means fewer court cases, fewer employment disputes, and fewer people ending up homeless or destitute.
[3] Legal Support for Litigants in Person Grant (LSLIP) report – Ministry of Justice
Advice improves health outcomes
The people experiencing health inequalities are often the same ones who need social welfare legal advice. When we address housing problems, benefit delays, or workplace discrimination, we’re tackling the social determinants of ill health, and reducing pressure on the NHS[4].
[4] University College London | UCL Health of the Public – Health Justice Partnership Resources
Investment in advice strengthens the economy
Every £1 spent on legal advice generates over double that in wider economic savings by reducing poverty and cutting the burden on other public services[5]. Without help, people risk homelessness, job loss, worsening health, and deepened poverty creating higher public costs later. When people can stay in work, keep their homes, and access their entitlements, everyone benefits.
[5] The value of justice for all – The Access To Justice Foundation in collaboration with The Bar Council
Innovation reaches people where they are
Advice agencies are reaching communities through food banks, GP surgeries, schools, and online platforms. They’re well placed to lead local service coordination and proactive in reaching the communities they serve (or working in partnership with those who do)[6].
The funding gap is holding us back
Legal advice charities are thinly stretched. Demand has surged but resources haven’t kept pace. Organisations are firefighting rather than building capacity, sustainability, and resilience.
We know that stable, long-term funding transforms what advice services can achieve. When organisations aren’t constantly scrambling for next year’s budget, they can focus on helping people and preventing problems before they become crises[7].
[7] Measuring Justice: The opportunities and challenges of measuring legal advice outcomes – The Access To Justice Foundation
Work with us
We exist to increase funds available to make access to justice a reality for more people. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss how we can work together.
