MERGED ORGANISATION WINS CLAC CONTRACT

The Legal Services Commission (LSC) and Derby City Council began the tender process for a Community Legal Advice Centre (CLAC) in Derby on 21 June 2007. Derby City Council and the Legal Services Commission have combined their current funding of £2.6 million pounds to award a three-year contract to Derbyshire Access2Law, a local community interest company. 

The advice services will be delivered by local organisations, Derby Citizens Advice  and  Law Centre along with Derbyshire Housing Aid and two firms of solicitors, Smith Partnership and Moody and Woolley.  Derby Citizens Advice and Law Centre is the organisation that formed recently as a result of the merging of Derby Citizens Advice Bureau and Derby Law Centre.

Sue Holmes Chief Executive of the hub commented “This is great news for our organisation and our clients. It has more than justified our decision to move to a purpose built centre that is capable of handling the increased number of clients that will arise from this evolution in social welfare advice delivery.” Sue added “ The award of the contract to our partnership is justified recognition for the progress we have made”

Derby's single point of entry to generalist and specialist legal advice in 7 areas of law

Are you concerned about the care being given to somebody you know? Specialist legal advisors are available to help you understand and challenge if necessary the provisions of services in the community by a Social Services or Health Care Authority. For example, help you in making a claim about the failure to provide services or facilities to the sick, elderly or those with disabilities.

Are your debts out of control? Both at our Centre and in strategic outreach locations across the city free and confidential advice is available from our impartial advisors to help in relation to money you owe. For example, advice because you are experiencing difficulties with debt, feel you may be bankrupt or insolvent or if you don't know about your legal position if you are behind with your mortgage, tax or investment payments.

Are you being treated unfairly at work? Specialist advice is available to help on anything to do with what happens at work. For example, you may feel that you have been sacked unfairly, need advice on aspects of your employment contract or whether you have a case for racial or sexual discrimination, information whether a strike is legal or how you stand on data protection and employee confidentiality.

Are you worried about your family staying and living together? Parents and spouses can access legal help on all family and community care issues. For example, advice on what to do if you want your children to live with you following a divorce. You can also get help on what to do about domestic violence, or if your child has been taken into care or being considered for adoption.

Are you having problems with your landlord? Both at our centre and in strategic outreach locations across the city we can help on legal problems to do with your home. For example, advice if you fall into arrears with your rent or mortgage, need to get improvements or repairs done, or you are being evicted or suffering from noise or nuisance. This includes the rights of leaseholders and provides for special focus on tenants of Derby Homes.

Worried about welfare benefits or tax credits? Maximising your income through guidance can lead to a more stable lifestyle and help reduce poverty. Our advisors will help by explaining to you your entitlements to all kinds of welfare benefits. For example, advice on housing benefit, Tax credits, income support, war or state pensions.

Want to live and work in this community legally? Our Centre provides access to accredited solicitors and caseworkers who specialise in law relating to immigration into the UK. For example: questions relating to nationality or the right to stay in this country, asylum and information needed to enter the UK and issues around deportation.

Derby Community Legal Advice Centre, Stuart House, Green Lane, Derby, DE1 1RS
Tel: 01332 228711 Fax 0113228701 Email Us