Oldham is one of the areas where organisations are being invited to bid for legal aid contracts covering housing and debt work, in a move intended to improve access to advice and representation.

The invitation, published on GOV.UK, lists Oldham among the areas in the north of England where more providers are wanted. Other nearby areas named include Bury, Salford and Stockport, alongside locations across England and Wales.

Housing and debt legal aid covers problems such as eviction, homelessness, unmanageable debt and action by creditors. The government says it needs more organisations involved to keep coverage strong.

Applications are open to existing legal aid providers that want to expand, to new organisations entering the market, and to organisations able to meet the contract's quality and supervisory standards.

Bids can be submitted at any point rather than within a fixed window. Contracts will be awarded under the 2024 Standard Civil Contract, and the intention is for them to begin as soon as possible once the verification process is complete.

Full details of the procurement process and the housing and debt category specific rules are available on GOV.UK.