Government Spending on Legal Aid for Housing Disrepair Cases Plummets Post-2013 Cuts: Figures Show Access to Justice Drastically Curtailed

Government spending on legal help in housing disrepair cases has plummeted since the controversial cuts to legal aid in 2013, new figures from the Ministry of Justice reveal. The drastic reduction in funding has severely limited tenants’ access to justice, according to solicitors.

The figures show a significant decrease in spending on housing legal aid, from £43,958,966 in 2012-13 to £20,361,111 in 2021-22. Similarly, spending on disrepair cases has fallen from £3,932,667 to £1,158,933 during the same period.

The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act restricted legal aid to cases involving serious health or safety risks, removing damages from disrepair claims. Simon Mullings, co-chair of the Housing Law Practitioners Association, expressed concern over the impact of these changes on tenants’ rights and housing conditions.

Rosaleen Kilbane, a founding partner of The Community Law Partnership, likened legal aid for housing disrepair pre-LASPO to an interest-free loan, emphasizing its cost-neutral nature for the government. Kilbane called for the full restoration of legal aid for housing disrepair, highlighting the positive impact it could have on people’s lives.

In response, a ministry spokesperson defended the government’s commitment to civil legal aid, citing a £813m investment to support those in need. Additionally, an extra £10m annually is allocated to assist individuals facing possession proceedings, with ongoing reviews to ensure the system’s sustainability.

The ministry also highlighted the success of a housing disrepair online tool launched in collaboration with the Department of Levelling up, Housing and Communities. The tool has aided over 34,000 individuals in navigating housing issues and understanding their rights in the private rented sector.

Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the diminishing access to legal aid for housing disrepair cases and the broader implications for tenants’ well-being. As the debate continues, the government faces mounting pressure to address the funding shortfall and prioritize the protection of tenants’ rights.