Hackney Community Law Centre appoints new manager as legal aid cuts bite

Cllr Ian Rathbone with new HCLC manager Sean Canning and outgoing manager Matthew Howgate

A charity providing free and independent legal advice and representation to Hackney people has appointed new manager.

Sean Canning will take over from Matt Howgate as manager of the Hackney Community Law Centre at what is a crucial time for the organisation.

Proposed cuts to legal aid could affect up to 5,000 Hackney residents seeking legal advice.

Mr Canning said: “I am delighted to have been appointed new manager of the Hackney Community Law Centre. I am keen to ensure that, despite these difficult economic times, the centre will continue to serve all of Hackney’s diverse communities.”

About the cuts, Mr Canning said: “The latest figures showing what could happen if the legal aid changes go ahead in their current form are very worrying. I look forward to playing my part in standing up for access to justice in Hackney”

Ian Rathbone, Chair of Hackney Community Law Centre, welcomed the new manager. He said: “Sean will bring a cutting edge to our work, making sure that everyone has access to justice. I am looking forward to continuing and expanding our work with his expert help.

“We are developing new projects to tackle unlawful evictions; to help people avoid their debts overwhelming them; to help them get the benefits to which they are entitled; to challenge unlawful and inhumane Home Office decisions; and to tackle unfair and discriminatory treatment at every level.”