Legal Aid Agency
What is happening?
From Tuesday 1 August 2023, the new Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) commences across England and Wales.
The service provides:
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Early legal advice (legal help) on housing, debt and welfare benefits issues to those at risk of possession proceedings and loss of their home; and
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On the day emergency advice and representation at court to those with a listed possession hearing
Individuals who require the above service do not need to meet legal aid financial eligibility rules as the service is means free but they will be required to show evidence that they are at risk of losing of their home.
Why is it happening now?
A total of 101 HLPAS contracts have been awarded to legal aid housing providers and most will begin today.
A small number of contracts will start on the 1 September 2023.
A list of contract holders can be found at Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Individuals who may require assistance under the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service can be referred to a contract holder on the above list or directed to Legal aid for possession proceedings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Further information
Provider guidance and supporting documentation is available at Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
The Civil Legal Aid (Housing and Asylum Accommodation) Order 2023