Hogan Lovells wins award for Best Response to the Cost of Living Crisis at the Business Charity Awards

In collaboration with grassroots community charity partner Westway Trust, the Cost of Living Crisis Clinic has provided essential legal support to clients facing income deprivation, unsanitary housing/homelessness, financial insecurity, and digital exclusion/poor literacy in deprived areas of London. 

In 2023, 80 Hogan Lovells and BNY Mellon volunteers provided assistance to 414 clients to apply for approximately £1,313,312 of potential unclaimed benefits and grants. Since its inception in 2022, the clinic dedicated over 780 volunteer hours, the equivalent of over £180,000 of in-kind value. 

Taylor Harris, Senior Associate at Hogan Lovells and lead manager of the Cost of Living Crisis Clinic said:

“This award is recognition of the many individuals in marginalised communities who simply fall under the radar and become vulnerable because they do not have the tools to access the support they need. At a time of economic uncertainty, our clinic serves as a lifeline for those struggling by allowing these individuals to access the benefits they are rightfully entitled to.”

The clinic and its volunteers have made a tangible difference by holding rogue landlords accountable and assisting homeless individuals to find temporary accommodation. The clinic has empowered vulnerable families by providing social capital and aiding those who are digitally excluded in applying for in-work and disability benefits and grants, enhancing their ability to afford decent housing and improving their long-term physical and mental health. 

This award recognises the clinic’s commitment to supporting those in need during the cost of living crisis, showcasing the power of community and corporate partnerships in driving access to justice.

The full list of awards can be found here.