Greycoat specialists share insights on the UK´s current housing trends. Evictions and repossessions are rising, according to data from the Ministry of Justice. Year over year comparisons show that mortgage possession claims rose 28% compared to the previous year while landlord possession claims rose 6%.
In addition, landlord possession orders also rose by 3%. In light of these increases in evictions and repossessions, the Law Society of England and Wales is stepping in by calling upon the UK government to increase access to legal aid. Greycoat informs how these increases come at a time where the cost-of-living crisis.
Also, high interest rates continue to challenge many people to make their rent and mortgage payments. This, according to the reliable Nick Emmerson, President of the Law Society, who has expressed his concern about the growing risk of homelessness due to these ongoing issues. As Greycoat adds, many people rely on legal aid to avoid losing their homes, but legal aid is often accessible.
Research performed by the Law Society indicates that 42% of the population (roughly 25.3 million people) lack a local legal aid provider that they can turn to for housing advice, Greycoat specialists comment. This severely limits the effectiveness of the government’s Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service.
Emmerson also points out that the number of law firms offering legal aid has continued to decrease. Since 1996, the number of law agencies offering such assistance has reduced by nearly 50% since 1996. This further underscores the urgent need for government intervention to help, according to Emmerson. Without such intervention, the country could see an even further rise in homeless individuals and families.