Press Release
Community Legal Service Direct Launched In Wales
28 June 2005
A free bilingual legal advice and information service was launched today (Tuesday, 28 June, 2005) by First Minister Rhodri Morgan.
Community Legal Service Direct is an easy-to-use bilingual service providing free information, help and advice to the general public on a range of common legal problems.
Launched by the Legal Services Commission today, Community Legal Service Direct introduces a new bilingual national telephone advice line, website and leaflets providing legal help on welfare benefits, debt, housing and education problems for the whole of Wales.
The service comprises of:
· A national bilingual telephone helpline on 0845 345 4 345, which provides free advice and a full casework service for eligible people from a qualified legal adviser with problems to do with benefits and tax credits, debt, housing and education.
· A bilingual website, www.clsdirect.org.uk where people can find information to help themselves or search for details of quality local advice services. They can ask a question or choose a topic and be directed to the right place on the best advice sites in the UK or view, download or print legal information leaflets. They can also check their eligibility for legal aid.
· A series of 31 free bilingual information leaflets covering a wide range of subjects from dealing with debt to divorce and separation; from losing your home to wills and probate.
Speaking at the Community Legal Service Direct launch event in National Assembly of Wales Building, Cardiff Bay, Tom Jones, OBE, Chair of the Legal Services Committee for Wales said: "The helpline, website and leaflets will help people from all across Wales to access legal help. Many people live in remote parts of the country, or have difficulty leaving home for appointments due to caring commitments or a disability. Community Legal Service Direct will help these people receive quality legal advice when they need it."
Launching the new service, First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "Many people across Wales do not seek legal advice because they are afraid that it will be expensive and beyond their means. These are often the people in most need where good legal advice and support could solve some of their most worrying and pressing problems. This new service helps to tackle such social exclusion by making quality legal advice available to everyone, regardless of means."
The Welsh helpline started in October 2004, and so far has helped over 2000 people in Wales. Legal Aid helps some of the most vulnerable and the most disadvantaged people in Wales. The Commission in Wales has invested over £70m per annum in developing the Community Legal Service and the Criminal Defence Service to help people get quality legal services that tackle real needs.
Community Legal Service Direct will complement face-to-face help, not replace it. Where face-to-face help is more appropriate, Community Legal Service Direct will play a vital role in helping people to make contact with a legal aid solicitor or adviser in their area.
Media Information
Shone Hughes 029 2064 7203
Notes to Editors
The Legal Services Commission helps people obtain publicly funded legal and advice services. Its work is particularly important in ensuring that the vulnerable and socially excluded have access to justice. It replaced the Legal Aid Board in 2000 and is an independent public body, sponsored by the Department for Constitutional Affairs. It funds two schemes- The Community Legal Service for Civil Aid and the Criminal Defence Service for Criminal Legal Aid.
Last updated: 28 December 2006