Legal services 'blow' for south Manchester

Legal services in the north-west received a blow recently when the South Manchester Law Centre was informed it is to lose the majority of its funding, following the reforms introduced earlier this year.

Practising legal aid services were asked to apply for continued funding and around 40 per cent did not receive part or any of the budget requested.

The Manchester Evening News reports the support facility, which offers free access to lawyers and advice on issues such as employment and housing, has had its budget cut by more than 80 per cent.

Volunteer translator Mohammed Noor was helped by the charity 14 years ago and now works there, stating: "In my experience no other agency provides the specialist advice given by South Manchester Law Centre."

The local authority claims the legal services will be provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau, which also covers areas such as housing benefits and equality in the workplace.