Representation by Luton Law Centre (Luton Law Centre)
- Date submitted
- 22 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
We have been pleased to learn that Luton Rising has submitted its application for the long-term sustainable growth at the airport. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the benefit we receive from the company and express support for its objectives and its application for development consent. Luton Law Centre has been serving the residents of Luton since 1989. We strive for a just and equal society where everyone’s rights are valued and protected. We do this by providing legal support, services, information, and education to the diverse communities of Luton and its’ surrounding areas in housing (preventing homelessness, rectifying disrepair etc), community care, immigration, and asylum law. As a registered charity it is our purpose to alleviate poverty and to improve access to services. Our work has been supported with funding from Luton Rising for many years, this has funded core costs, advice lines and specialist legal casework. In recent years we have worked in a consortium (Luton Access Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) with Citizens Advice Luton, Luton Rights and Luton Irish Forum, the grant received from Luton Rising has enabled the provision of a wrap-around holistic advice service which strives to meet needs of Luton citizens. In the 2021/22 financial year the funding from Luton Rising enabled us to provide detailed telephone advice (including second tier advice) to 1233 people, open 99 cases and signposted 921 enquirers to other organisations for specialist advice and assistance. This would not be possible without funding from Luton Rising. The airport is essential to Luton’s economy supporting economic activity of £1.8billion per year and 27,000 jobs in the region. Expansion of the airport could support an increase in economic activity of £1.6 billion per year and create a further 11,200 jobs. The financial support (£9 million in 2019) that Luton Rising provides to voluntary, community and charitable organisations is vital to Luton residents serving to improve their quality of life and provide them with improved life opportunities. The expansion of the airport will enable increased support of an additional £13m per year by the mid-2040s. Importantly, the plans for the expansion also seek to minimise the environmental impact the expansion will have on the local area addressing carbon emissions, air quality, noise, and traffic. As an organisation we support the application for development consent as it is essential for much needed economic growth in the area whilst enabling important support services to be provided to the residents of Luton and surrounding areas. Pauline Gilson Centre Director Luton Law Centre