by Graham Tutthill

A last-ditch appeal to save a charity that offered legal advice to asylum seekers in Dover has failed.

A consortium of charitable trusts and city law firms, supported by MP Simon Hughes, had put together a proposal to save Refugee and Migrant Justice, which has gone into administration.

The charity had an office in Charlton House, Dour Street, blaming delayed Legal Aid payments by the government for its predicament. It is believed the charity is owed about £2 million.

The emergency appeal resulted in £76,525 being pledged within a 24-hour period. But talks with the Legal Services Commission, RMJ’s main funder, were unsuccessful.

The administrators BDO are now in the process of winding down the organisation.

People who pledged money are being informed and their money will be returned.

Caroline Slocock, chief executive of Refugee and Migrant Justice said: "During this period, RMJ has received the most amazing support from supporters and we were overwhelmed and touched by the offers of financial help in response to our campaign. We would like to thank everyone who has tried to save RMJ and very much regret that it has not been possible."

Changes were made by the previous government where payment for the charity’s work was cleared once decisions had been made, instead of being paid by the hour. This resulted in a delay of up to two years before costs were reimbursed.

Across the country the charity dealt with about 10,000 people, including 900 children.

The Dover office had particular expertise in helping people who have been detained and held an advice surgery twice a week in the Dover Immigration Removal Centre. It also worked in close partnership with Migrant Helpline and social services.