Catherine Watkins
Cwmbran NP44 1UG
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Cwmbran
29 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Catherine Watkins is an experienced family and property lawyer based in Cwmbran & Barry and cover South wales & Bristol, with 29 years of legal expertise. Fluent in both English and Welsh, Catherine is a key member of...
What does social welfare & housing involve?
- Homelessness assistance: Applying to local authorities for housing support, challenging unsuitable temporary accommodation, or appealing a homelessness decision.
- Housing benefit and Universal Credit: Disputing eligibility or payment amounts, and navigating appeals processes if a claim is refused or reduced.
- Social housing rights: Understanding your rights as a tenant of a council or housing association, including security of tenure and succession rights.
- Disrepair and maintenance: Holding social landlords accountable for unsafe or unhealthy living conditions, and seeking compensation where necessary.
- Evictions and possession proceedings: Addressing rent arrears, anti-social behaviour allegations, and legal defences to prevent unlawful evictions.
How can a solicitor help with social welfare & housing, and what does it cost?
A specialist solicitor or housing adviser can:
- Provide advice and representation: Explaining your entitlements, filling in forms, and challenging negative decisions from councils or benefit agencies.
- Negotiate with landlords and local authorities: Seeking repairs, preventing eviction, or improving living conditions through dialogue or mediation.
- Appeal in court or tribunals: If negotiations fail, a solicitor can present your case before a judge or tribunal, ensuring legal procedures are correctly followed.
Costs vary based on the complexity of your case and whether legal aid is available. Some individuals qualify for legal aid, which can cover part or all of a solicitor’s fees in housing matters. Otherwise, rates typically range from £100–£300 per hour, though some firms may offer fixed-fee or reduced-fee arrangements for certain cases. An initial consultation—often free or at a low cost—can help you understand your options, likely expenses, and the best steps to secure safe, stable housing.
5 Solicitors (domaine de droit rattaché pour Social welfare and housing)
Paul ROSSITER
Shotton CH5 1BY
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Shotton
37 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Personal Injury & Conveyancing Solicitors in Wales & Cheshire PSR Solicitors is a leading firm of Serious & Personal Injury Solicitors in Wales and Cheshire. From time to time accidents do happen and unfortunately, it is true to...
Roy MAGARA
Bicester OX27 8BL
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Bicester
9 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Shortlisted for the Modern Law Awards 2025 'Rising Star of the Year', and with over a decade of experience, Roy is dedicated to understanding what results you need; providing you with an informed basis upon which to make...
Laura THORPE
Sheffield S9 1TP
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Sheffield
18 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With a wealth of experience spanning 18 years, Laura Thorpe is a dedicated lawyer based in Sheffield, specializing in Employment Law and Civil Litigation. She has a strong focus on providing effective legal solutions for clients dealing with...
John Cato
Birmingham B12 0NS
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Birmingham
36 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With 36 years of experience, John Cato is a highly skilled solicitor and Solicitor-Advocate, providing expert legal services in employment law, family law, divorce, litigation, and dispute resolution. His ability to represent clients in court allows for a...
Gentili Stark Solicitors
London W8 7JB
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
Does not accept legal aid
Gentili Stark Solicitors is a specialist Immigration Law and Human Rights solicitor firm based in Kensington, London. We provide tailored advice in all areas of UK immigration, asylum and nationality law for individuals, families and businesses. Stéphane Gentili,...
