AdviceUK, the UK’s largest network of independent advice services, has submitted its response to the Justice Committee Inquiry on Access to Justice. In its response, the organisation has called for independent advice to be recognised and funded as part of the UK’s essential justice infrastructure.
Liz Bayram, Chief Executive of AdviceUK said:
“Access to justice is only possible with a strong, independent advice sector working alongside specialist legal support. So AdviceUK is calling for independent advice services to be recognised and funded as part of the UK’s essential justice infrastructure. Currently, advice services are underfunded and overstretched. In 2024, 90% of AdviceUK members saw rising demand, with over half unsure they could meet it. In some areas, this has led to “advice deserts” where free support is scarce or unavailable.
“For far too long, the critical gateway to justice that advice services provide has been taken for granted. By making this change, the government would reduce unmet legal need, ease court backlogs, and help prevent more issues escalating to expensive court action and/or reliance on public services, so saving money.
“Embedded in their communities, advice services are often the first and most trusted source of help for individuals facing social welfare problems. Their clients often have multiple and complex problems that advisors can support holistically. Last year, our almost 700 members advised 2.8 million people across Britain, including marginalised groups who would otherwise remain excluded from the justice system. They play a critical role in ensuring everyone, regardless of means, can access justice, and for too long have not been considered a priority by successive governments.”
Image credit: Wesley Tingey
