The government has announced a £16 million fund, launching on 1 October 2026, to pay frontline organisations in England and Wales to give free legal support to people facing eviction, debt, benefit disputes and family breakdown.
Key facts
- Who: People in England and Wales facing eviction, problem debt, benefit disputes or family breakdown, and the advice organisations that support them
- From: 1 October 2026 (programme runs to March 2029)
- Source: £16m legal lifeline for families facing eviction and hardship (GOV.UK, 30 September 2026)
The government announced the Legal Support Grant on 30 September 2026. It says the programme launches on 1 October and will run between October 2026 and March 2029.
The money will support 48 frontline organisations across England and Wales. The government says they will help thousands of vulnerable people facing eviction, problem debt, benefit disputes and family breakdown.
Charities and advice providers, including Citizen's Advice and Shelter Cymru, will expand free legal support both in person and online. The stated aims are to help people understand their rights, resolve problems, and avoid homelessness, financial hardship and unnecessary court action.
The government says that helping people earlier should stop problems spiralling into crisis and reduce pressure on the courts.
The fund is administered by the Access to Justice Foundation. The Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC, said the grant forms part of more than £25 million the government has invested in legal support services.
The grant will also build an evidence base on what works in legal support. The government says this will inform future investment.
What this means for people facing eviction or debt
The funding is for organisations that give advice, not a payment to individuals. The government says the funded organisations will expand free legal support, in person and online, for people facing eviction, problem debt and benefit disputes.
Anyone looking for support should check with the organisations directly.
Sources
- £16m legal lifeline for families facing eviction and hardship, GOV.UK, 30 September 2026