Providing free and low-cost specialist legal services in your community.
Southern England Law Centre launches to tackle access to justice crisis across South and Southwest England.
Swindon, UK – October 2025 — Wiltshire Law Centre and Gloucester Law Centre have merged to form Southern England Law Centre, a new regional hub dedicated to expanding access to justice for people on low incomes.
For more than four decades, both Centers have provided free and low-cost specialist legal advice to vulnerable communities. This consolidation marks a bold step forward in addressing the growing shortage of Legal Aid services, particularly in housing law. In 2021, The Law Society found that 23.5 million people (39% of the population of England and Wales) did not have a local Legal Aid housing . This lack of access is reflected in the fact that, in 2024-25, Southern England Law Centre opened over 790 cases and defended over 1,100 clients under its Court Duty Services.
Southern England Law Centre, headquartered in Swindon, with offices in Gloucester and Southampton, will continue to provide specialist support in housing law and welfare benefits appeals, while building new partnerships and referral pathways.
Andrew Allan, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:
“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.”
Olivia Pulley-Crowther, Managing Director and Senior Solicitor, 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
As the organisation prepares to celebrate 45 years in 2026, Southern England Law Centre will continue to expand specialist legal advice, strengthen referral networks, and challenge policies and procedures that harm its clients.
About Southern England Law Centre
Southern England Law Centre is a trading name of Wiltshire Law Centre Ltd., a charity registered in England and Wales, and a member of the Law Centres Network. It provides free and low-cost specialist legal advice and representation in housing and welfare benefits matters and referrals to trusted partners. Its mission is to ensure equal access to justice for people on low incomes.
Please get in touch with us if you would like more information about the Law Centre.
