The Ministry of Justice has just launched a new service to help those at risk of losing their homes called the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service.
The service provides:
- 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
- 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.
A total of 101 HLPAS contracts have been awarded to legal aid housing providers and most began on 1 August 2023. A small number of contracts started on the 1 September 2023.
A list of contract holders can be found at Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) on the gov.uk website.
In North Tyneside, Hadaway and Hadaway Solicitors LLP (58 Howard Street, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE30 1AL) is the local provider of this service.
Individuals who may require assistance under the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service can be referred to the above law firm or a contract holder on the above list or directed to Legal aid for possession proceedings – gov.uk website. For more information, please see Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service launch.
