03/03/2010 – New vision for legal aid delivery
Justice Secretary Jack Straw today announced new plans for the future delivery of legal aid. In response to Sir Ian Magee’s review into the delivery of legal aid, the government will move the Legal Services Commission to an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice.
The government believes the change in status will see a new and stronger relationship between the Ministry of Justice and the Legal Services Commission, with tighter financial control over the £2.1 billion budget.
Announced in October 2009, the review was commissioned by ministers with the aim of ensuring that the legal aid budget delivers value for money, and that the most vulnerable people in society get the legal help they need. Other objectives included providing a healthy and sustainable future for social welfare advice as well as considering how best to position and protect the civil fund from the criminal fund.
Alongside today’s publication, the Chief Executive of the Legal Services Commission, Carolyn Regan, announced her resignation to allow for new leadership. Carolyn Downs has been appointed as interim Chief Executive of the Legal Services Commission.