Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports (1) that Law Centres are experiencing financial problems as a result of court closures and consequential loss of legal aid income due to COVID-19, and (2) that some Law Centres are facing closure as a result; and what assessment they have made of the role of Law Centres in providing (a) direct legal services, and (b) hubs for volunteer pro bono lawyers.

We recognise the valuable role that Law Centres, and the wider not-for-profit advice sector, play in local communities across the country, and we support them in this vital work.

We are aware that Law Centres may experience financial issues due to the Covid-19 pandemic and have been working at pace to implement options to support them and other not-for-profits who provide this important service.

I am pleased to say that the Government is allocating £5.4 million in funding to the not for profit providers of specialist legal advice. £3 million of this has been earmarked specifically for Law Centres.

The £5.4m Government is allocating to advice providers will go some way to help them address their immediate cashflow problems. This will help protect these vital organisations from collapse, ensuring they remain able to provide support to the communities they serve.

It will also enable them to continue to act as hubs for volunteer pro bono lawyers.