Rochdale Law Centre campaigns in London

Members of Rochdale Law Centre campaigning in London

Members of Rochdale Law Centre (RLC) travelled to Westminster recently in response to the government’s proposal to make dramatic cuts to Legal Aid Funding.

The RLC travelled to London to defend the people of Rochdale’s right to free, independent legal advice, joining the Justice for All campaign with over 1000 charities, trade unions, politicians, community groups and members of the public.

Half a million low income people would effectively be denied access to justice, as the government’s green paper proposes scrapping most free legal help on employment, housing, welfare benefits and debt.

Immigration Caseworker, Lauren Butler, addressed the assembled Members of Parliament and campaigners, speaking and emphasising on the fact that now more than ever the community of Rochdale is in need of free, independent legal advice.

There were specific case studies to show how access to free legal assistance saves families from homelessness, protects the right of the disabled and ensures that the most vulnerable members of society are protected from exploitation and neglect, by Members of RLC.

Gillian Quine, RLC’s Senior Solicitor met the MP Pail Goggins and Baroness Scotland to converse and discuss the propositions to do with the planned cuts. Jim Dobbin MP for Heywood and Middleton, Simon Danczuk MP for Rochdale and Craig Whittaker MP for Calder Valley have also been advised about the affects the cuts would have on their constituents.

Rochdale Law Centre’s Annual General Meeting will be held at the Rochdale Town Hall on 26 January 2011 at 11:30. It is open to the public. Those who wish to show their support or share their concerns are encouraged to attend.