NAWRA is calling upon UK governments to introduce a statutory duty to provide social welfare advice, available equally to all who need it and free at the point of delivery.
Concern over the loss of advice services as highlighted by bodies such as the Access to Justice Foundation[1] and Advice UK[2], has been mounting in recent years and has been brought into sharp focus this year by the ending of the MacMillan contract for specialist welfare rights support[3].
The value of access to free advice is widely recognised, and the Work and Pensions Select Committee has said:
‘The complexity of the benefits system means that expert welfare rights advice is often needed. In some areas, local authorities, third sector and community organisations work together effectively to do this. The rewards are significant …
We have heard about the research conducted on the economic gains from take-up. This research should be promoted to encourage the investment needed, including in welfare rights advice and community advocacy.[4]
Reversing the decline in advice availability will have positive effects for individuals and families, and across society. Timely advice can prevent delay and error in decision making, avoid unnecessary and costly tribunal hearings and other forms of resolution, as well as helping prevent eviction, homelessness and mounting debt. Independent modelling commissioned by the Access to Justice Foundation has shown that for every £1 invested in free, specialist advice saves £2.71 in public costs.[5]
There are also benefits in terms of the prevention of future crises for individuals, broader information and support for the wider public, and improvements in public health.
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[1] https://atjf.org.uk/the-value-of-justice-for-all
[2] https://www.adviceuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AdviceUK-Submission-to-the-Justice-Select-Committee-Inquiry-on-Access-to-Justice.pdf
[3] https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/05/macmillan-cancer-support-charity-specialist-benefits-advice-services
[4] https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/164/work-and-pensions-committee/news/208519/mps-call-for-national-strategy-to-tackle-pensioner-poverty/
[5] The-value-of-justice-for-all-a-report-for-the-Access-to-Justice-Foundation-and-the-Bar-Council-from-Pragmatix-Advisory.pdf