London law centre becomes latest to shut its doors over funding shortfall
Lambeth Law Centre has closed with immediate effect with its trustees blaming “an impossible financial position”.
The centre has hosted the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) since its inception as a law unit in September 2016.
A statement on the law centre’s website said: “It is with great regret that the trustees of Lambeth Law Centre announce the closure of the Law Centre with immediate effect.
“Unfortunately, the Law Centre has faced financial pressures caused by legal aid cuts and increased operating costs. To some degree this was relieved with generous support from our charitable funders, who have understood the need in the community and helped us address it.
“However, ultimately the funding shortfall, together with issues with VAT calculations, have put the Law Centre in an impossible financial position. Having failed to secure emergency funding to keep the Law Centre going, we were left with no choice but to decide on closure.”
The statement continued: “The Law Centre’s team is working hard to ensure that all current clients are notified and that their cases are transferred to other advisers in the borough or nearby. We also hope that some of our staff will be able to join other Law Centres or advice agencies.
“We would like to thank all of our staff, volunteers and supporters for all they have done over the years for the success of the Law Centre and the care for our clients.”
In a statement on Twitter, the Public Interest Law Centre said: "PILC is currently taking steps to protect and continue the important work that we do. We are in the process of finalising a move to a new host organisation. We anticipate that PILC will be able to carry on working with minimal disruption to our clients and partners.
"PILC was originally established to develop strategic litigation. On behalf of clients and campaigners we scored some significant victories for campaign groups and working class communities in defending them against the hostile environment and austerity.
"We take solace from the solid links we have built with campaign groups and other lawyers who see the value of our work."
The Guardian reported yesterday that government figures showed that half of all law centres and not-for-profit legal advice services in England and Wales had closed over the past six years.
The Law Centres Network has, however, this week been awarded £494,000 in National Lottery funding over a period of four years to transform its digital capabilities.
