Birmingham Law Centre issues funding appeal to council amid closure fears

Birmingham Law Centre has appealed to Birmingham City Council for financial support amid fears that it could be forced to close because of the impact of cuts to legal aid.

An online petition, which has attracted nearly 900 signatures, warns that the centre is “facing a very bleak future". The centre has four solicitors, eight caseworkers and a number of administrative staff.

The petition says: “As with every law centre, we are having to deal with a massive reduction in our income due to the Government's legal aid cuts. However, unlike most law centres, we receive no funding from the local authority.”

It warns that closure of the centre would have a devastating effect upon advice services available in the city. “The law centre is a charity that provides debt, housing, employment, community care and welfare advice to the vulnerable and those most in need," it says.

"We are alarmed that this comes at a time of increasing personal debt and dramatic changes to the benefits system that will see an increase in homelessness, reduction in real terms incomes and a greater reliance on food banks or other charitable support.”

The petition adds: “This is why we want Birmingham City Council to support its only law centre before it is too late.”

Council leader Sir Albert Bore said he would be meeting with Lord Hunt of Kings Heath and representatives of the law centre on Friday to discuss the issue.

But in answer to a question raised at yesterday's council meeting he said: "There are a range of public sector and independent advice agencies operating in the city, such as the council's Neighbourhood Office Service, agencies commissioned by the city council to provide advice and tribunal services, eg the Citizens Advice Bureau and other agencies resourced by other funders. All play a part in meeting a range of needs of clients either directly or by signposting them to other agencies who may be able to assist."

Bore added that the council and other independent agencies providing advice were currently faced with significant financial pressures as a result of national budget reductions.

"Clearly this is a position faced by Birmingham Law Centre. In this current climate it is therefore regrettable that the council will not be able to make financial provision for Birmingham Law Centre, though it may be able to advise on wider funding opportunities to sustain their operation," he said.