apparently its called public funding now!!
"Funding in civil cases is available to anyone who qualifies, provided that the case is within the scope of the scheme. People receiving Income Support or income based Jobseeker's allowance, automatically qualify financially for funding. Otherwise, people can get 'free', or non-contributory, help, if they have a gross monthly income of less than �2,435, a monthly disposable income below �290 and disposable capital of �3,000 or less. If their monthly disposable income is between �290 and �672, or disposable capital between �3,000 and �8,000, they will be offered funding on the basis that they agree to pay contributions towards their legal costs.
In addition to qualifying financially, an applicant must also show that he or she has reasonable grounds for taking, defending or being a party to proceedings, and that it is reasonable, in the particular circumstances of the case, for public funding to be granted. The Commission must consider, for example, whether the case has a reasonable chance of success, whether the benefits of litigation would outweigh the cost to public funds, and whether the applicant would gain any significant personal benefit from proceeding, bearing in mind any liability to repay the costs if successful. These factors are similar to those that would influence a privately paying client of moderate means when considering whether to become involved in proceedings."