30/03/2011 – Lasa welcomes the Justice Select Committee’s report into proposed legal aid reforms
Lasa welcomes the publication of the Justice Select Committee's report into proposed legal aid reforms
Lasa welcomes the publication of the Justice Select Committee's report into proposed legal aid reforms, following its recent enquiry. We trust that the Government will pay proper and thorough attention to the findings and recommendations contained within, particularly around the future funding difficulties of not-for-profit advice providers, as well as their capacity to meet extra demand. The urgent need for a co-ordinated approach to these issues is highlighted as a pressing priority across government departments. We agree with the Committee that evidence from organisations "casts doubt on a key condition for the Government's proposed reforms".
Terry Stokes, Lasa CEO said: "Legal aid advice for social welfare problems, such as welfare benefits, debt and housing, will be crucial in helping the most vulnerable people deal with problems arising from the wider economic difficulties. We are pleased to note the Justice Select Committee raising concerns about these people finding their ability to properly present their cases being weakened, which is at odds with previous Government commitments to protect the most vulnerable. Lasa hopes that the Government will take the findings of this report seriously, on top of the 5,000 responses to their earlier consultation, and take a more measured and longer-term approach to reform, that ensures access to justice for all who need it. Legal aid cuts will cost more than they save, in our opinion, and could severely undermine the prospects of citizens in contributing to economic recovery and wellbeing".
Notes for editors
1) Lasa is a leading charity and strategic provider of knowledge, support and resources to third sector and government bodies. Lasa helps thousands of organisations across the UK each year including Age UK, Shelter and Citizens Advice Bureau. It helps organisations to get better welfare rights advice to their clients; deliver more effective and efficient services; influences policy for advice and legal services; and raises awareness of the third sector's technology needs with funders and government. For more information, please visit www.lasa.org.uk Lasa is a member of the Justice for All campaign.
2) The House of Commons Justice Committee report, Government's proposed reform of legal aid, Third Report of Session 2010-11, is published on Wednesday 30 March 2011. In view of the importance of the legal aid scheme, the Committee undertook a short inquiry during February, with evidence from a range of legal aid providers and Ministers. A number of recommendations for Government are included in the report.