Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Coodes Solicitors provides a weekly pro bono service in Bodmin, facing significant bureaucratic hurdles despite government investment in legal aid. The MP highlights the need to simplify public funding contracts.
I thank the Minister for that response. Would she please join me in congratulating Coodes Solicitors, which provides a weekly pro bono surgery to my constituents in Bodmin? Firms such as Coodes face, in its own words, so much unnecessary bureaucracy and hoops to jump through when providing legal aid. As the Minister highlights, I understand that the Government have made some progress towards making the financial investment in the system that is needed, but is she aware of the incredible burden of this needless bureaucracy and will she please commit to simplifying public funding contracts?
I thank the hon. Member for his question, and I commend all lawyers who provide pro bono support to their clients, which is incredibly commendable. However, it is ultimately a sticking-plaster and no substitute for a well-functioning legal aid system. That is why, as well as increasing fees, we are investing in the transformation of the IT digital platform to enable providers to cut through some of that red tape.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to simplify public funding contracts
Cut Through Some Of That Red Tape
Response accuracy