The Law Society of England and Wales has welcomed more investment in justice but warned that increased funding across the system is needed to avoid collapse.
While the Budget announced funding for prisons, the Crown Prosecution Service and probation, there is no mention of civil and criminal legal aid – crucial public services which are on their knees. Law Society president Richard Atkinson, said:
“It is clear the Lord Chancellor made a strong case to the Treasury and secured investment for the Justice department.
What remains uncertain is whether the vital funding needed in civil and criminal legal aid and to address growing court backlogs will be forthcoming. Rebuilding the justice system will not be possible unless there is sustained investment in all parts of it including legal aid and courts, not just prisons and probation.
The well-known crisis in the prisons is only one part of what is needed to repair our beleaguered justice system. The physical infrastructure of the courts is so poor that there are 100 emergency court room closures every week.”
He said that in some parts of the country, criminal cases that are ready for trial are being listed to be heard in the second half of 2027, amid a huge backlog. He continued:
“Cases involving children being taken into care are often taking well over a year to resolve, against a target to conclude them in six months. Legal aid solicitors who provide a vital public service to those forced to navigate our courts are becoming as rare as NHS dentists.
Increased funding for all these elements is a must if the system is to avoid collapse and access to justice for ordinary people is to be protected. Our research has shown that a well-funded justice system will save public money down the line.
The message that the Lord Chancellor should be hearing is spend to save.”