£15 million investment in free legal support for communities across England and Wales
1 October 2026
Today we are launching the Legal Support Grant programme, funded by the Ministry of Justice and supporting 48 organisations across England and Wales with £15 million in funding over the next two-and‑a half years.
This funding will ensure organisations can continue to provide free legal support and guidance in areas such as housing, welfare benefits, employment and family law.
We are pleased to work alongside organisations that provide vital support to people facing legal problems, particularly in communities where legal needs often go unmet and barriers to justice remain high. Their work helps people understand their rights, navigate complex legal issues and resolve problems before they escalate.
One of the organisations supported, Shelter Cymru exists to prevent homelessness and alleviate housing need. Their national emergency helpline is often the first port of call for people facing a housing crisis in Wales. Through community-based in-person advice and one-to-one personalised help, they support people with their housing issues and support them to fight repossession and eviction.
Citizens Advice Wigan Borough is also providing free and high impact legal support in welfare benefits, debt resolution and family law for their communities. Through training more Community Champions, they hope to extend the capacity to spot early advice needs and directly connect more communities to their free legal services.
The funding aims to enable organisations to strengthen systems and infrastructure, while building a stronger evidence base about impact, strengthening the case for long-term investment in legal support.
Clare Carter, our CEO highlights how important this funding is:
Across England and Wales, too many people face legal problems that affect every aspect of their lives, from keeping a roof over their head to supporting their family or securing the income they rely on. The organisations funded through this programme provide trusted support when people need it most. By investing in their long-term strength and resilience, we can help ensure more people access the legal support they need, while building a stronger understanding of what works to improve access to justice.
More news
-
Culturally responsive legal advice saves lives
28 September 2026
The communities most in need of legal support are often the least likely to access it. We know that advice is more effective when it is designed around the people it serves. Services that reflect a community’s experiences, culture and needs help ensure people can get the right support, at the right time.
-
Breaking down barriers through early legal support – Evidence shows the power of early intervention
22 September 2026
When legal problems arise, getting the right support at the right time can make all the difference.
-
A new chapter for the Justice and Innovation Group
3 September 2026
After seven years of facilitating the Justice Innovation Group, we reflect on the insights we’ve gained and the challenges that remain in using technology for justice.
