Two long-standing community law centres have joined forces to expand access to justice across southern England.
Wiltshire Law Centre and Gloucester Law Centre have merged to create Southern England Law Centre, a new regional hub offering free and low-cost legal advice for people on low incomes across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire and neighbouring counties.
For more than forty years, both centres have provided specialist legal support to vulnerable residents. Their merger marks a significant step in tackling the shortage of Legal Aid services, particularly in housing law.
According to the Law Society, nearly 40 per cent of people in England and Wales — around 23.5 million — have no local Legal Aid housing provider. The issue is felt acutely across the South, where demand for advice continues to rise.
In 2024–25, the newly formed Southern England Law Centre opened over 790 cases and defended more than 1,100 clients under its Court Duty Services, reflecting the scale of unmet need.
Headquartered in Swindon, with offices in Gloucester and Southampton, the organisation will continue to provide expert advice in housing law and welfare benefits appeals, while developing new partnerships and referral pathways.
Andrew Allan, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said the merger demonstrated a united commitment to protecting the most vulnerable: “As demand for our services continues, sadly, to grow, this new chapter demonstrates our determination and commitment to support vulnerable individuals and households across all the communities we serve.”
Managing Director and Senior Solicitor Olivia Pulley-Crowther added: “Our new name recognises the work we are already doing and the future we are building. We want to ensure access to justice for those who need it most — sustainably, and for years to come.”
Looking ahead to its 45th anniversary in 2026, Southern England Law Centre plans to broaden its specialist advice, strengthen local referral networks and challenge policies that harm its clients.
The centre operates as a charity under the name Wiltshire Law Centre Ltd., and is a member of the Law Centres Network. Its mission remains clear: to ensure equal access to justice for everyone, regardless of income.