Menu
23/09/2003
CAB warns legal aid system decimated by government audits
The legal aid system is being audited out of existence to the extent that the poor and socially excluded "are unable to receive the help they need", the Citizens Advice annual conference was told today.
In his address today to the Citizens Advice annual conference at the University of York, Chief Executive David Harker told over 1,000 delegates that, despite their best efforts, government policy in this area was delivering "injustice and unfairness in a way that was inexcusable".
Mr Harker said: “The reality, experienced by our bureaux staff, is that there is a continuing and deepening crisis in the provision of publicly funded legal services to the people who need them most. Hundreds of legal aid lawyers are calling it a day - audited out of existence.
“In areas of the south-east problems with contracting are leading providers - especially private practice solicitors to abandon the Community Legal Service entirely. This leads to the growth of advice deserts - areas where the poor and socially excluded wander in ever-increasing circles looking for help. The town of Leatherhead has not one single legal aid solicitor. And in the whole of Kent there are no housing solicitors offering legal aid.
“It is clear that the current arrangements are not delivering access to justice. They are delivering injustice and unfairness, and it is inexcusable.”
He referred to the "Byzantine level of bureaucracy" in dealings with the Legal Services Commission, which was presenting "a clear and present danger to many bureaux".
The Citizens Advice annual conference was also told that bureaux in England, Wales and Northern Ireland last year dealt with 5,671,987 new problems. Many of these problems were dealt with under contractual agreements with the Community Legal Service - as 244 Bureaux had funded contracts to give advice.
(gmcg)
In his address today to the Citizens Advice annual conference at the University of York, Chief Executive David Harker told over 1,000 delegates that, despite their best efforts, government policy in this area was delivering "injustice and unfairness in a way that was inexcusable".
Mr Harker said: “The reality, experienced by our bureaux staff, is that there is a continuing and deepening crisis in the provision of publicly funded legal services to the people who need them most. Hundreds of legal aid lawyers are calling it a day - audited out of existence.
“In areas of the south-east problems with contracting are leading providers - especially private practice solicitors to abandon the Community Legal Service entirely. This leads to the growth of advice deserts - areas where the poor and socially excluded wander in ever-increasing circles looking for help. The town of Leatherhead has not one single legal aid solicitor. And in the whole of Kent there are no housing solicitors offering legal aid.
“It is clear that the current arrangements are not delivering access to justice. They are delivering injustice and unfairness, and it is inexcusable.”
He referred to the "Byzantine level of bureaucracy" in dealings with the Legal Services Commission, which was presenting "a clear and present danger to many bureaux".
The Citizens Advice annual conference was also told that bureaux in England, Wales and Northern Ireland last year dealt with 5,671,987 new problems. Many of these problems were dealt with under contractual agreements with the Community Legal Service - as 244 Bureaux had funded contracts to give advice.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 November 2006
Legal Aid review proposals unveiled
Lord Falconer, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Vera Baird QC MP, Legal Aid Minister, have set out "market" reforms to legal aid provision in England and Wales.
Legal Aid review proposals unveiled
Lord Falconer, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Vera Baird QC MP, Legal Aid Minister, have set out "market" reforms to legal aid provision in England and Wales.
13 July 2006
Radical reform planned for legal aid system
Radical reform of the legal aid system has today been set in motion as the Lord Chancellor opened consultations on implementing substantial changes to the way Government buys legal advice on behalf of the public.
Radical reform planned for legal aid system
Radical reform of the legal aid system has today been set in motion as the Lord Chancellor opened consultations on implementing substantial changes to the way Government buys legal advice on behalf of the public.
01 June 2015
New Measures Introduced To Make Criminals Pay Towards Legal Bills
New measures to make criminals pay more towards their legal bills have come into force today, Monday. The changes are the latest in a package of legal aid reforms which make sure those accused of a crime and are wealthy enough to pay for some, or all, of their legal representation do so.
New Measures Introduced To Make Criminals Pay Towards Legal Bills
New measures to make criminals pay more towards their legal bills have come into force today, Monday. The changes are the latest in a package of legal aid reforms which make sure those accused of a crime and are wealthy enough to pay for some, or all, of their legal representation do so.
28 January 2014
Escaped Terrorism Suspect Granted Legal Aid To Fight Court Orders
A terror suspect, who absconded after changing into a burka in a London mosquw, has been granted legal aid to appeal against a ruling restricting his movements. 27-year-old Mohammed Ahmed Mohamed has been missing since November and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Escaped Terrorism Suspect Granted Legal Aid To Fight Court Orders
A terror suspect, who absconded after changing into a burka in a London mosquw, has been granted legal aid to appeal against a ruling restricting his movements. 27-year-old Mohammed Ahmed Mohamed has been missing since November and his current whereabouts are unknown.
04 April 2013
Prisoners Face Losing Legal Aid
British prisoners could face losing entitlement to legal aid to help them pursue complaints against the prison service, according to new measures being considered by Ministers.
Prisoners Face Losing Legal Aid
British prisoners could face losing entitlement to legal aid to help them pursue complaints against the prison service, according to new measures being considered by Ministers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
