Effects of Legal Aid cutbacks

The BBC has published information on the effects the legal aid cutbacks have had on people who could not access or afford legal help.

The article based on a BBC investigation explains that cuts to legal aid have created “deserts” of provision across England and Wales.

Analysis shows up to a million people live in areas with no legal aid provision for housing, with a further 15 million in areas with one provider.

Campaign group Liberty said access to justice had been “significantly undermined”.

The Ministry of Justice said it took “urgent action” whenever it had concerns over provision.

The BBC’s Shared Data Unit has analysed Ministry of Justice and Legal Aid Agency data since 2011-12 when the new rules were introduced and found:

• Around a million fewer claims for legal aid are being processed each year.
• More than 1,000 fewer legal aid providers were paid for civil legal aid work than in 2011-12.
• Four legal aid providers for welfare cover Wales and the South West while 41 cover London and the South East.
• Almost half of all community care legal aid providers are based in London

The full article can be read here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46357169

You may believe that legal aid is no longer available for family law and that consequently you cannot afford a solicitor or a barrister to advise or represent you at court. This may not be the case.

Legal aid is still available, if you are eligible, for the following areas of family law:

• Domestic abuse
• Social service involvement with your children
• Where the person needing legal aid is a child under 18 who is party to family proceedings
• International and domestic child abduction

Hannays Solicitors and Advocates hold a Family Legal Aid Contract and legal help can be accessed by making an appointment with us if you meet the criteria for funding.

Our dedicated team of specialist solicitors are able to support and help victims of domestic abuse and their children to get the protection that they need from their partners, ex partners or other family members.

Our qualified and experienced lawyers are members of Resolution and provide advice and representation in situations of abuse.

Speak to our domestic abuse lawyers confidentially on 0191 4555361.

The Family law Act 1996 is the legislation which provides protection for victims of domestic violence and our experienced team of solicitors can help anyone who needs protection, which can be put in place urgently and without the other person knowing if necessary.

We will advise from the outset if you meet the criteria for legal aid and will also advise how you can fund a legal matter with us if you do not meet the legibility for legal aid.

Contact us for advice by calling : 0191 4555361.