Richmond Legal Advice Service

Developments at RLAS during 2008

And why RLAS had to move where it provided its free legal advice sessions

Richmond Legal Advice Service (RLAS) has been based at Richmond CVS's premises for several years. Since April 2008 Richmond CVS have undertaken a number of actions (all without notice) which culminated with RLAS being evicted on 28 July 2008. Richmond CVS was provided no notice and no time to find alternative premises.

RLAS had no choice but to temporarily suspend its Wednesday evening free legal advice sessions immediately until we could find alternative premises and raise enough money to pay for alternative premises.

Rather then simply wait until the money was raised and suitable premises found, RLAS believed it important that it start providing its free legal advice sessions again as soon as possible, even if there were changes in how RLAS operates.

Consequently, from 19 August 2008 RLAS had been able to resume our free legal advice sessions from premises which we can afford. Although the date and location has changed (details on our home page).

RLAS found the series of actions taken by Richmond CVS inexplicable, especially when taken by an organisation which is a charity. And in particular when the amount RLAS owed Richmond CVS represented less than 1/100 of 1% of Richmond CVS' income.

Some of the demands and requirements of Richmond CVS (and the timescale to meet them) where not practicable. Demands for immediate payment (and without an invoice) are not realistic and not in accordance with good business or charitable conduct.

What RLAS did in response to Richmond CVS' actions

RLAS tried to ask Richmond CVS to reconsider its actions. These have been ignored (some details below). We have then publicised our situation through the various (online media), and have received support from Richmond Park MP, Susan Kramer and an article in the Richmond and Twickenham Times (15 August 2008), copy available from here, as well as articles appearing on the various OnLine Communities web sites (this is no longer on their web site).

RLAS believes that contact has been by several persons (including councillors) with Richmond CVS.

None of this has produced any change in Richmond CVS' position.

However, the real victims of the actions of Richmond CVS are not RLAS, but the clients who are denied the opportunity of receiving free legal advice. In Richmond, there is no where else for them to go to obtain such advice from qualified lawyers (other than paying or meeting legal aid criteria).

To continue providing free legal advice, and as an interim measure RLAS, has found temporary accommodation at a price it can afford (while it seeks funds).

What Richmond CVS did and why where RLAS advice sessions suspended?

Richmond CVS at first allowed RLAS to use their premises free of charge. A couple of years ago they then started charging RLAS £5 per an advice session (which was still a reduced rate over their normal charge). But

  • at the end of July 2008, when RLAS reluctantly decided to pay the increase and requested an invoice, Richmond CVS evicted RLAS (on 28 July 2008, giving RLAS no time to find alternative premises first); and

  • after Richmond CVS evicted RLAS, Richmond RLAS received an invoice from Richmond CVS for the increased rent. But the invoice c claim the increase in rent for a period prior to the date when RLAS was notified of the increase (there was no explanation as to why Richmond CVS believed they had the right to do so).

    • RLAS when it first heard of the increase was told by the Head of Finance of Richmond CVS to contact the trustees of Richmond CVS. RLAS wrote twice to the trustees and then the Chief Executive of Richmond CVS asking them to reconsider their action to increase the rent. We have never had a response to the request.

    Richmond CVS stated reason as to why they no longer wish to rent to RLAS was because has failed to pay Richmond CVS' rent does not explain their actions. For example:

    There is more detail than can be provided but these few examples give an idea that actions of Richmonds CVS are not accordance with good business or charitable conduct.

    How you can help RLAS?

    Although RLAS has temporary premises at present, if you can help with finding alternative afford premises in central Richmond, please contact Victor Warner on 020 8891 2105 or by email. All that RLAS requires is two smallish rooms (one for clients to wait and another to provide advice) one hour an evening.

    If you wish to send us a message of support we would grateful to hear from you. Although RLAS has decided not to pursue at the moment the way that Richmond CVS behaved, nevertheless if you would like contact Richmond CVS, they can be reached at: Please contact them to let them know what you feel about the only free legal advice service in the London Borough of Richmond being stopped without notice.

    Why is RLAS important?

    RLAS is the only organisation in the London Borough of Richmond RLAS has been providing free legal advice and assistance, once a week, for nearly 50 years in the London Borough of Richmond.