Chester-based Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race and Equality Centre fights for the future of its case work service

Jan 26 2012 Chester Chronicle

A SERVICE which fights for people who have faced discrimination is facing closure.

Chester-based Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race and Equality Centre’s case work service is under threat from April.

That’s because the Government is withdrawing grant funding from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

The current service provides a free legal support, advice and representation to individuals who have experienced discrimination at work and in their daily life. Last year staff dealt with 172 cases and secured more than £82,000 in compensation.

Now the government says discrimination cases must be funded through legal aid.

But centre director Shantele Janes said: “Most of the cases we deal with are employment based and clients are not eligible under legal aid rules, but equally the claim amount is not high enough to justify the fees of a solicitor.

“Combined with this is the lack of no win no fee options available – few lawyers want to take a case on this basis because of the notorious difficulties in proving discrimination cases.

“Often the clients we see are vulnerable, because of their circumstances and they require some support from us.”

The charity recently moved into and manages the Unity Centre, in Cuppin Street, the first multicultural centre for West Cheshire.

It currently supports eight volunteers through the College of Law who gain experience in discrimination work.

To oppose the funding cut, sign the e-petition on the Government website or visit: www.chawrec.org.uk.

The centre is looking for alternative sources of funding to keep the service going and is appealing for donations.