Criminal legal aid funding increase a step forward for vital public service
UK government plans unveiled yesterday (19 December) to increase criminal legal aid rates for solicitors by a further 12% are a boost to the profession and access to justice, says the Law Society of England and Wales.
Following consultation there would be a 6% rise, with an additional 6% over the rest of the Parliament.
The Law Society and practitioner groups have been campaigning for fairer legal aid rates for its members to halt the exodus from the profession. This included taking the previous government to court for failing to implement a 15% rise that an independent review recommended was urgently needed.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: “The increase in funding is a welcome step forward that gives solicitors hope that there is a future in providing this vital public service, but it is only a step. While this means solicitors will have received more than the 15% recommended by the Bellamy Review*, years of inflation means further progress is needed to deliver a sustainable future.
“The new government is demonstrating a commitment to rebuilding the ailing justice system and understands investment in criminal legal aid is a key part of a holistic solution to the current criminal justice crisis.
“Since we won the Judicial Review**, we have been working hard to ensure the Ministry of Justice acted on the stark warnings from the Court. It is heartening that our warnings are finally being heard, but it will be vital that the government continues to invest and commits sufficient resources to make criminal legal aid work truly sustainable.
“The latest figures*** show duty solicitor numbers continue to decline, leading to a real danger that people will not be able to get legal representation when they need it and heightening the risk of miscarriages of justice. Today’s announcement may at least slow the exodus, but it remains to be seen whether it is enough to turn the tide.
“The government has a golden opportunity to ensure such a perilous position for access to justice is averted. Ministers should commit to regular reviews of criminal legal aid funding, once the minimum levels have been achieved, as well as increases for prison law work.”
Notes to editors
• See the announcement here
• * See the Independent Review of Criminal Legal Aid here
• ** See the Judicial Review judgment here
• *** See the latest duty solicitor figures here (Table 9.8)
About the Law Society
The Law Society is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.
Press office contact: Nick Mayo | 020 8049 4100