The future of the Isle of Wight Law Centre looks secure for now, despite a decision by the Isle of Wight Council to withdraw specialist Social Welfare Law services on the Island.
A new Legal Aid contract in Housing and Debt from the Government has been awarded to the Isle of Wight Law Centre, enabling residents to access advice for a number of legal issues from a single location.
The contract is for a 5-year period and means that the charity has secured its funding for the foreseeable future.
Matt Thatcher, Law Centre Manager, has said:
“We have successfully secured the Specialist Quality Mark in Housing & Debt, which is all down to the hard work of the team at the Isle of Wight Law Centre.
“Independent and confidential advice had been threatened on the island by the decision to deliver the services from County Hall, and the awarding of this Legal Aid contract means that the Islanders still have access to impartial advice and representation.
The Law Centre will continue to deliver specialist advice and advocacy for Islanders attending Court who face eviction or repossession.
