Legal services ‘overlooked’ in Chancellor’s business tax cut

The Autumn Statement missed the target for unleashing the power of the legal services sector, solicitors’ leaders have said.

Nick Emmerson, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, said:

“While it is great news for business that full expensing has been made permanent, it is disappointing that parts of the legal services sector have once again been overlooked.

Our call for the scheme to be expanded to include all law firms has gone unheard. Legal services are an economic powerhouse and the government must do more to support this crucial sector and allow it to invest and flourish.

No new money was announced for a justice system crying out for investment despite it being in crisis with huge court backlogs, crumbling court buildings and a chronic shortage of lawyers and judges. Investment is needed right now to ensure access to justice remains open to everyone.”