More than 42 million people in England and Wales, equating to nearly 70% of the population, do not have a community legal aid provider in their area according to research conducted by The Law Society.
As part of the launch of its civil legal aid campaign the Law Society will publish a ‘legal aid desert’ map highlighting the paucity of coverage. Describing legal aid as ‘a vital public service’, Law Society president Richard Atkinson said legal aid was crucial to protecting people and communities, reducing strain on other public services.
There has been progress acknowledges the Law Society; recognising government has taken ‘positive steps’ to increase civil legal aid fees for housing and immigration. However, further investment is needed across all areas including family, community care, inquests and mental health.
“By throwing a legal lifeline to everyone who needs it, we strengthen families, protect children and provide better care for people in our communities. Access to legal advice is of the utmost importance, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse, community care and mental health treatment disputes. Unfortunately, many people in these situations often struggle to obtain legal support and vital legal aid services are closing down.”
added Atkinson.
Research has shown 55% of adults with a domestic abuse issue received no legal support; and of those who tried, over half again were unsuccessful.
Beginning today, The Law Society’s campaign is calling on the government to take immediate action to properly fund civil legal aid as well as:
- The reinstatement of early legal advice for separating families, ensuring quick resolution of issues and reducing costly, stressful court battles.
- Guaranteed legal aid for both survivors and the accused in family law cases involving allegations of abuse, ensuring fair representation for all parties.
- Increased legal aid fees for family law, mental health, community care and other critical areas to attract and retain legal aid providers.
- A fair means test that doesn’t leave people living in poverty priced out of accessing justice.
“The government must properly fund all areas of civil legal aid, a vital public service, to help level the playing field and ensure a fairer society for all.”
concluded Atkinson.
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is currently tackling a cyber attack which has forced it to switch off many of its online systems. On 23rd April LAA was hacked but it was not until May it said it understood the extent of the attack. There are reports of over 2m people’s data being affected, including law firms.
Firms have been advised to update any passwords that could have been exposed, particularly if people used their LAA password for other services, and be alert to unknown messages and phone calls.
