Garden Court Chambers has today lodged its response to the government's proposed reforms of legal aid in England and Wales.
The response covers changes to the scope of cases for which legal aid would be available. For example, it is our overall view that the removal of debt and welfare advice from the scope of public funding will have a devastating impact on vulnerable clients.
The response also covers proposals to cut the fees paid to practitioners working on legally aided cases. Commenting on this, Michael Turner QC said "We are concerned that the reductions in fees will cause many practitioners to go out of business. The consequence will be that many vulnerable members of society will no longer have access to social justice. Surely this is not what a socially responsible society such as ours should be doing."
Responses from each of the specialist practice teams are available for download below.
For the response from the Civil Team, click here
For the response from the Crime Team, click here
For the response from the Family Team, click here
For the response from the Housing Team, click here
For the response from the Immigration Team, click here
The Disability Living Allowance /Personal Independence Payment consultation (also due to end today) has been extended to 18/2 due to email glitches at the Ministry of Justice.
