The government today announced a fundamental look at the legal aid system, designed to create a stable and sustainable system providing access to justice for those who need it most.
This reflects the aim of creating a more efficient legal aid system as set out in the Government document of 20 May The Coalition: our programme for government.
In a written ministerial statement to Parliament, Secretary of State for Justice Kenneth Clarke said:
'This Government’s immediate priority is to reduce the financial deficit and encourage economic recovery. We have made it clear that the main burden of the deficit reduction will be borne by reduced public spending, achieved by financial discipline and the most efficient and effective delivery of public services. I am seeking to develop an approach to legal aid spending which balances these necessary financial constraints with the interests of justice and the wider public interest.
'We will seek to develop an approach which is compatible with fair and necessary access to justice for those who need it most, the protection of the most vulnerable in our society, the efficient performance of the justice system, and our international legal obligations.'
The government will consider the policy and intends to seek views on a proposed new approach in the autumn.
