Community Law Service

The Community Law Service is part of the charity Community Action Isle of Wight.

We provide a free, independent, impartial and confidential advice and advocacy service for households on the Isle of Wight focusing primarily on Housing and housing-related Social Care and Benefits issues.

 

We also have a small Immigration Advice Service for Level 1 queries, please click here for more information.

 

All of our Housing work is carried out by experienced and trained Advisers and supervised by a Senior Solicitor – Julieann Nicoll. Any cases involving litigation are managed directly by Julieann.

 

The aims of our service are:

  • To ensure anyone who has a possession case on the Isle of Wight has the option of free representation.

  • To reduce, and ideally prevent homelessness – working with clients to identify options and priorities for accommodation which meets their needs.

  • To work with people at a pace and in a way which suits their needs.

 

Examples of issues that we can currently assist with include:

  • Possession Notices and court cases

  • Threatened with Homelessness

  • Homelessness Decisions and Reviews

  • Living in unsuitable accommodation ie overcrowded, disrepair or not safe/sustainable due to disability/health and social care needs

  • Rent arrears

  • Applications for housing related benefits

 

We have recently been awarded a civil Legal Aid Contract for Housing work. Please click here for more details and to see if you might be eligible.


 

If you would like us to advise/assist you, you should complete our contact form. We will get back to you within 3 working days.

Please note, if you are threatened with homelessness we strongly advise that you contact the Isle of Wight Council in the first instance on 01983 823040 or you can complete their Homelessness Enquiry Form.

Please be aware that we are a small part time team and due to high levels of enquiries, it could take up to 3 weeks for us to offer an initial appointment.