The East Yorkshire Citizens Advice Bureau has won the contract to run the UK’s first Community Legal Advice Network (CLA Network), funded by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Legal Services Commission.
The Network will provide an integrated legal service, from basic advice to representation at court, helping people with the full range of social welfare legal problems.
For the first time, residents will have access to a comprehensive service across the East Riding from a wide variety of locations, including via videophone (through the Council’s CitizenLink portals) and by telephone, as well as face-to-face advice at three permanent town-centre locations (Beverley, Bridlington and Goole) and at outreach venues.
In addition to providing a brand new face-to-face service in Beverley, this three-year contract will also enable clients to make appointments through the council’s suite of Customer Service Centres.
As providers of existing services funded by the LSC and the council, the East Yorkshire Citizens Advice Bureau is familiar with the range of legal problems experienced by local residents. To support them in meeting these needs, Switalskis Solicitors will bring their expertise into the region as a sub-contractor in the service.
Lesley Thornley, Chief Executive of the East Yorkshire Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “We are extremely pleased that our bid to provide the CLA Network was successful. The Citizens Advice Bureau’s experience, strong volunteering base and knowledge of the local community, together with the legal expertise of Switalskis, our partners, will enable us to provide a more extensive service and a much wider range of advice and support to the people of the East Riding.”
Councillor Jonathan Owen, deputy leader of the Council, states: “I am delighted that the CLA Network contract has been awarded to the Citizens Advice Bureau. Citizens Advice Bureaux nationally are well respected by the public as a source of independent advice and information. The specification of the contract bid was a very demanding one and the Citizens Advice Bureau has risen to the challenge to deliver the services required. This is also the culmination of a lot of work put in by the council and the Legal Services Commission to specify a service that will be of maximum benefit to our residents.”
Carolyn Regan, the Legal Services Commission Chief Executive, said: “The Community Legal Advice Network will provide the people of the East Riding with better access to high-quality social welfare legal services. We are delighted with the outcome of the tender, and look forward to the launch of the new service next year.”
The Network is due to open on 1st March 2010.
