CLS news

The Community Legal Advice Network (CLAN) offers a full range of legal help, from basic advice to court representation, for people facing problems about community care, debt, employment, housing and welfare benefits.

The network, designed around the needs of local people, is jointly funded by the Legal Services Commission and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.  A total of £1.89m will be provided over the next three years. 

Run by East Yorkshire Citizens Advice Bureau, with solicitors Switalskis providing legal advice and representation, the service will be based in Goole, Bridlington and Beverley.

The service will also provide outreach services at ten additional locations for people living in more remote parts of the area.  Residents who have difficulty travelling to one of these locations will also be able to access the service by the council's network of video link access points, called the CitizenLink network.

Carolyn Regan, Chief Executive of the Legal Services Commission, said:

“By working with local partners, we have been able to pool our resources and expertise to provide the full range of services needed.  In this way, local people will be able to get the expert advice and help they need and to resolve problems more quickly and effectively. 

"We hope that this will be the first of many such services to open across the country and help increasing number of people, many of whom are facing financial hardship and related problems as a result of the recession.”

Councillor Jonathan Owen, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “I’m delighted that by close partnership working, especially in a time of economic hardship, we will be able through the CLA Network, to deliver a much improved range of legal and other advice services and help to those residents who need that single point of help.

"The fact that the scheme is being administered by the East Yorkshire Citizens Advice Bureau means an experienced and respected organisation will be able to help deliver an improved range of services to all residents.”

Legal Aid Minister, Willy Bach said: “It is the Government's absolute priority to ensure that as many people as possible can receive the legal help and advice they need, and easy access to Community Legal Advice has been proving beneficial in helping thousands of people across England and Wales.

"I am happy to be able to announce the opening of the East Riding Community Legal Advice Network which will deliver a stronger and simpler legal advice service to the local community".

“I have been visiting Community Legal Advice services right around the country and have seen, first–hand, the terrific job they are doing helping people with everything from debt, welfare, housing and employment problems. I am convinced that by helping the people of East Riding with early legal advice and help, we can save them time, money and stress and also prevent problems from escalating into more serious issues.”

More information

You can find out more, along with a list of the ten outreach locations, is available at the East Riding webpage.