Hillingdon Law Centre shuts for good after funding shortfall
The west London law centre, which had served the area for more than 40 years, has permanently closed after an earlier temporary suspension, the Law Centres Network has confirmed.
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Hillingdon Law Centre has permanently closed, the Law Centres Network confirmed on 14 October 2026, five months after it was forced to temporarily suspend services due to a funding shortfall.
The Law Centres Network said the closure was a consequence of the sustained underfunding of civil legal aid and an increasingly hostile funding environment for charities in the advice sector. It said all client cases have now been closed or transferred to other practices.
Key points
- Hillingdon Law Centre, in Hayes, west London, served the area for more than 40 years
- The Law Centres Network first reported a temporary suspension of services on 6 May 2026 due to a funding shortfall
- The centre has now permanently closed, the network confirmed on 14 October 2026
- All client cases have been closed or transferred to other practices
- People in the Hillingdon area needing free legal advice can seek help through the Hillingdon Advice Partnership
What happened
The Law Centres Network said it was “sorry to confirm” that Hillingdon Law Centre had permanently closed, following the temporary suspension announced in May 2026. The centre had helped thousands of people with housing crises, immigration processes, employment rights and welfare support over its history, according to the network.
Why it closed
The network said the closure was “a consequence of the sustained underfunding of civil legal aid and an increasingly hostile funding environment for charities in the advice sector.” It said it had supported Hillingdon Law Centre throughout the period and “continues to press for sustainable, long-term investment so that communities do not lose access to free legal help.”
What happens now
The network said it was “grateful to everyone who worked at, volunteered for, and supported the Hillingdon Law Centre over the years.” All client cases have now been closed or transferred to other practices, and people in the Hillingdon area who need free legal advice have been directed to the Hillingdon Advice Partnership for other local sources of help.