The Legal Aid Agency has extended the window for organisations to run Lancaster’s Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service. Expressions of interest are now due by 5pm on Tuesday 25 November 2025, with full applications required by 5pm on Friday 5 December 2025. It gives local providers a little more time to step forward.

HLPAS offers free early legal advice to people at risk of losing their home, including support on housing, debt and welfare benefits, plus on‑the‑day representation in court for anyone facing possession proceedings, regardless of income. It’s a practical safety net when households hit crisis point.

Eligibility is tight. The agency is inviting interest only from organisations that already hold a 2024 Standard Civil Contract in Housing and Debt. This call follows a review of local coverage to make sure Lancaster has provision in place.

The successful bidder will start as soon as assessments are complete, with the contract running until 30 June 2028. The LAA’s guidance makes clear the aim is to get cover in place quickly once a provider is appointed.

Providers should email civil.contracts@justice.gov.uk by the 25 November cut‑off to register interest, after which they’ll receive the next steps. The agency says late submissions won’t be considered, so timelines matter.

This update comes after the LAA’s market engagement with providers on Lancaster’s needs earlier this autumn, where delivery models and gaps were discussed. That session was billed as part of efforts to secure provision in the district.

Lancaster has featured in this year’s wider HLPAS procurement rounds alongside other areas, with the LAA confirming that holders of the 2024 Housing and Debt authorisation are the ones eligible to deliver the service.

For residents, the takeaway is simple. HLPAS is a national legal aid service designed so that anyone facing a possession claim can access free advice and advocacy. Locally, the LAA is now moving to lock in Lancaster coverage under this extended process.