The housing crisis means more and more of us are living in rented accommodation. For some of the most vulnerable members of our community this means dealing with difficult landlords and living with the permanent fear of eviction and homelessness. On this page you can find out about our housing advice services and how we are campaigning for secure and safe accommodation for all.
On Thursday, 11th April, we launched our manifesto at a public event. The event was packed. 150 people were in attendance: students, advisers, lawyers and community groups, old and new friends. The full manifesto can now be downloaded here. Norma Turner, one of GMLC’s founders, chaired the event and speakers included GMLC Patron and human rights lawyer Robert…
In our Manifesto, launched last Thursday, we demanded the abolition of Section 21. ‘No-fault’ evictions are the leading cause of homelessness in the UK. We are fighting with others on the basic principle that everyone has the right to a secure home. Today we welcome the announcement of the Government to abolish short-notice evictions.…
We published on Friday an article “The Public Space Protection Order: What you need to know“. Under the new proposed powers any “authorised person” including a council officer can issue a person suspected of breaching the PSPO with a fixed penalty notice and fine of £100. If not paid and prosecuted in court the fine can…
Manchester City Council are proposing to give themselves new powers using a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), and you have until Monday 8th April to give your views. Under the new proposed powers any “authorised person” including a council officer can issue a person suspected of breaching the PSPO with a fixed penalty notice and…
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 as part of a toolkit given to Local Authorities to help them tackle anti-social behaviour[1]. They were introduced against an interesting political backdrop: increasing public concern about anti-social behaviour frustrated the Government, who were in fact seeing overall…
By Ciara Leeming This piece originally featured in Big Issue North magazine and is re-posted here with permission A group of homeless people have found themselves a roof over their heads, stability and even employment. But it’s a squat and so all that they have achieved is under threat Moves to close…
Manchester City Council have proposed granting themselves new powers to address the following problems in Manchester City Centre: Street drinking “Aggressive” Begging Obstructing building entrances/exits, stairwells of premises or highways after being asked to move Occupying a tent or other temporary structure in a manner which is likely to create a health and safety risk…
Sign a petition started by Eccles Shelter residents here A group of homeless people who established a hostel in a vacant doctors’ surgery are facing possession proceedings by NHS Property Limited, who are seeking to evict them. GMLC are providing them with legal representation. On 31st January, a Judge made an order for possession.…
See coverage in the Manchester Evening News here. And in the Mirror here. A group of homeless people who established a hostel in a vacant doctors’ surgery are facing possession proceedings by NHS Property Limited, who are seeking to evict them. The Greater Manchester Law Centre (GMLC) are providing the homeless people with legal representation. On…
Legal aid ‘decimated’ This week, one of the nation’s top news stories is a topic too often overlooked: the decimation of the Legal aid advice network. Legal disputes affect our homes, our families, our treatment as employees and more. They affect our very survival, for example when unwell or disabled people are left destitute after being…