Advice & Referral Service

Communities and individuals struggling with an environmental problem can contact our UK-wide Advice & Referral Service. We deal with a range of issues which affect the quality of life of a whole community, including:

• waste and fly-tipping
• dust and air pollution
• water pollution
• noise pollution and nuisances
  
• land use and loss of open space
• conservation and habitat protection
  
• radiation, chemical exposure and impacts on health
  

For examples of how we have helped, please see our Case Studies.  Please note that we are unable to assist with disputes between neighbours or landlord and tenant issues. 

How we work

We have a team of case workers in the office who deal with enquiries from members of the public and where possible, we will refer clients to a member of our network of advisers made up of solicitors, barristers and technical consultants across the UK.

If we are able to refer a case to an ELF Adviser, the client will receive initial free advice.  This will be an opportunity to look at the problem, discuss possible solutions and consider what action to take.  This advice may be provided by telephone, in writing or through a face-to-face meeting.  Further advice may be provided free, at cost or at a reduced fee rate, at the discretion of the adviser.  

We keep copies of all the relevant documentation in the office and we monitor the outcome of cases.

The first step 

We encourage individuals or community groups facing environmental threats to contact us as soon as possible as delay can prevent them taking legal action.  If we are unable to assist, we always try to refer enquirers to other more suitable organisations. 

To discuss an environmental problem, please contact our Advice & Referral team on 020 7404 1030 or email us. 

Want to join our adviser network? 

If you are a practising legal professional or technical consultant and you are interested in joining our adviser network, please go to the Support Us section for more information.