Report Highlights Urgent Need for Legal Support in Housing Sector, MPs Urged to Take Action
The report by lawyers who observed appointments at MP surgeries has highlighted the ongoing issue of unmet legal needs in the area of housing. According to the research conducted between October 2022 and March 2023, housing remains one of the most common legal issues faced by constituents, along with immigration and asylum.
The study found that three-quarters of constituent appointments observed were related to legal issues, with a significant number of individuals seeking assistance for rehousing and disrepair issues. Additionally, many constituents were found to be struggling with immigration status and applications for indefinite leave to remain.
One concerning finding was that 79% of constituents who raised legal issues with their MPs had not instructed a lawyer, indicating a lack of access to legal representation. This is further exacerbated by the fact that over half of caseworkers reported a significant increase in casework volumes since the pandemic, leading to difficulties in referring cases to solicitors due to capacity constraints.
To address these challenges, the report recommends providing training for MPs and caseworkers on legal issues, including education on legal aid availability and referral resources. The all-party parliamentary group on access to justice is suggested as a valuable resource for providing such training.
The report also recommends surveying MPs every five years with the support of the Speaker’s Office to gather further insights into the unmet legal needs of constituents. Despite the participation of 37 MPs in the research, many others declined to engage, underscoring the need for greater awareness and action on this issue.
Overall, the research underscores the urgent need for increased access to affordable legal advice, particularly in the areas of housing and immigration rights. The collaboration between LawWorks, Hogan Lovells, and other firms with the access to justice APPG highlights the importance of collective efforts in addressing these pressing legal needs.
