CLS news

The Legal Services Commission - in partnership with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council – is asking members of the local community to ‘have their say’ on plans for a new Community Legal Advice centre in Barking and Dagenham.

UK-wide centres

There are plans to launch Community Legal Advice centres across the whole country, and Barking and Dagenham is at the forefront of this exciting initiative. These centres will be integral to delivering a civil legal aid system, which is focused on people in greatest need getting better coordinated legal advice.

Legal advice in Barking and Dagenham

Last year in Barking and Dagenham the Legal Services Commission helped around 1820 people who needed legal advice. Across the UK, around 33% of people have legal problems and one million problems go unsolved each year.

To help solve these problems, we plan to jointly set up a Community Legal Advice centre in Barking and Dagenham, providing local families and individuals unrivalled, free and impartial advice on a range of common legal problems.

Consultation event

On Monday 20th Oct we hosted a joint event to ask local solicitors and advice agencies to give their views on what the service will look and feel like. The consultation event was held at Barking Town Hall.

Gareth Britten, Regional Director for the Legal Services Commission in London, said: "This new centre will provide a one-stop shop for people seeking vital advice on a number of problems. 

"I hope that the new Community Legal Advice centre in Barking and Dagenham will really make a difference for people who would normally have to seek advice from a number of different places. 

"I envisage that once up and running, local people will be able to access help on a range of legal problems, all under one roof. For example, people dealing with debts will also be able to access advice on ensuring they claim the right welfare benefits and help if they are facing losing their home."

Councillor Val Rush, Executive member for Communities, at Barking and Dagenham Council added: "The new legal service will simplify matters for local people who are seeking a solicitor, information or wanting to talk to somebody about debt or benefits issues."