Catherine Watkins
Cwmbran NP44 1UG
Social welfare and housing Solicitors Cwmbran
29 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Catherine Watkins is an experienced family and property lawyer based in Cwmbran, with 29 years of legal expertise. Fluent in both English and Welsh, Catherine is a key member of Newbold Solicitors, where she specializes in family law,...

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 Conveyancing (Area of expertise might be Social welfare and housing)
Haroon Bashir
Sheffield S9 1TP
Social welfare and housing Solicitors Sheffield
8 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Haroon Bashir is a dedicated solicitor based in Sheffield with 8 years of experience, specializing in litigation and conveyancing. He holds a Law Degree from Sheffield Hallam University and an LL.M in International Human Rights Law from the...

Sophie DONOVAN
Social welfare and housing Solicitors
12 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Sophie Donovan is an experienced solicitor based in the West Midlands, specializing in a wide range of legal areas, including family law, Wills and probate, debt recovery, and residential conveyancing. With 12 years of experience in the legal...

Colum Murray
London SW18 1GN
Social welfare and housing Solicitors London
46 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Colum Murray is a highly experienced solicitor based in London, with over 46 years of legal practice. He is a partner at his firm, specializing in all aspects of property law, particularly commercial property and business-related matters. Colum...

Sidra SIDDIQUI
Guildford GU1 4AW
Social welfare and housing Solicitors Guildford
9 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Sidra Siddiqui is a dedicated solicitor based in Guildford, specializing in Conveyancing and property law. With 9 years of experience, Sidra represents a wide range of clients, including private individuals, companies, lenders, and developers, in both residential and...

Bestin Joseph
London E18 1JL
Social welfare and housing Solicitors London
20 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Bestin Joseph is a highly skilled and experienced lawyer based in London, specializing in Immigration, Conveyancing, and Business and Human Rights. With over 20 years of practice, Bestin is dedicated to providing efficient, stress-free solutions for his clients,...