Community legal services
In 2002/2003, Liverpool's Community Legal Services Partnership along with the public library service were the first two City Council Services to win Beacon Status from central government. The Beacon Council scheme is the governments latest way of pointing out best practice for all other councils to follow.
The Community Legal Services Partnership in Liverpool helps local people to cut through the maze of jargon and providers when they need good legal advice.
Working closely with the Legal Services Commission the city council has created a network of information and advice providers all dedicated to making it easier to get good advice and help on legal matters.
The network includes the Citizens Advice Bureau service, private solicitors, voluntary advice agencies, all public libraries and one stop shops, Age Concern, Merseyside Society for Deaf People, Liverpool 8 Law Centre and a host of other agencies too.
The CLS Partnership in Liverpool is showing the way for other councils to go and this has been recognised by central government in awarding Beacon Council status for 2002/03
For more information on the Community Legal Services Partnership and community matters generally, visit the Community Network Website at www.liverpool-community.org.uk