Croydon Law Centre: A lifeline for those in need

Hundreds of people are asking Croydon Law Centre for advice as Government welfare changes leave more households in debt or facing homelessness.  But the popular law centre has seen its funding slashed by a third, leaving them struggling to help all the people who come to them.  Croydon North MP Steve Reed visited to the Centre to congratulate staff and volunteers on the great work they do in very difficult circumstances, and to hear how demand for legal advice is soaring.

Commenting after his his visit, Steve Reed MP said:

“I know from the many people who contact me how hard life has become in Croydon North.  People are getting into debt just to put food on the table or pay the rent.  Others are facing the threat of homelessness in the run-up to Christmas or are forced to live in damp or overcrowded homes.  Croydon Law Centre does amazing work to help people facing the most difficult circumstances.  That makes it all the more shocking to learn that Tory-run Croydon Council doesn’t give them even a penny in funding.”

He continued: “I’d like to pay tribute to the work of everyone at the Law Centre.  They offer a lifeline to people who would simply sink without their help.  Government cuts to legal aid mean that many people can no longer afford to speak to a solicitor.  Law centres plug that gap, but without adequate funding justice is increasingly available only to the rich.”