Lord Bach Visit to PCLAC
Don't Get Evicted Get Advice - Real Help Now for Portsmouth Residents
Portsmouth homeowners and tenants facing repossessions, evictions and possible homelessness can get free legal advice and representation from advisors based at the Portsmouth Combined Court, said Legal Aid Minister Lord Bach, visiting the Court-based scheme today (Friday 8 May).
An ‘emergency legal help' scheme funded by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Services Commission and run by the Portsmouth Community Legal Advice Centre, has already helped over 600 Portsmouth families in the last year and predicts it will help many more in the coming months.
Urging any Portsmouth residents facing court because of repossession or eviction orders to make use of the service and other free legal services, Legal Aid Minister Lord Bach said:
"The Government is determined to take action now to give people real help to get through these difficult times".
"A do - nothing approach, to let the recession take its course, would be completely the wrong thing to do".
"That is why we are supporting schemes like the free, expert legal help available at the Portsmouth Combined Court which can mean the difference between losing your home and negotiating a deal to keep it whilst you work out a way to pay.
"Advisors who work from the court building are available to advise you even on the day of your hearing.
"The Government and Legal Services Commission have recently expanded the scheme, with extra funding, so that more people in need can be seen."
Reminding Portsmouth residents who think they may soon face difficulties to seek legal advice as early possible, Manager of the Portsmouth Community Legal Advice Centre, run by YOU, Gail McMillan said:
"Homelessness has a devastating effect on people and their families, yet so many people arrive at court without legal help.
"Our advisers based at Portsmouth court are here to help all those facing repossession and eviction who need it.
"But the more time a legal advisor has to prepare a case, the better the chance people have of keeping their property. If you are at risk of having your home repossessed due to mortgage or rent arrears, an advisor at the Portsmouth Community Legal Advice Centre (Tel: 023 9265 6305) - will be able to help you. Contact details are also available from www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/portsmouth
There are 88 LSC schemes like the one in Portsmouth currently operating in 112 courts across England and Wales. The Portsmouth Community Legal Advice Centre is run by YOU and provides advice on a range of common legal problems including issues with debt, housing, welfare benefits and family problems. Advice at the centre is jointly funded by the Legal Services Commission and Portsmouth City Council.
