Legal Aid Immigration Cases 2024-03-26
2024-03-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the underfunding and difficulties in accessing immigration legal aid, resulting in asylum seekers being denied representation. The MP cites a funding crisis.
I am concerned about the adequacy of legal aid for immigration cases. Thousands of asylum seekers have effectively been denied the right to legal representation due to severe difficulty in accessing immigration legal aid. Why do the UK Government stand alone in not recognising this crisis?
The Government spent £44 million on immigration legal aid in 12-23. The hourly rate for those undertaking this kind of work has been increased, and remote access and payment for travelling are being considered to raise the level of funding.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue of underfunding and difficulty accessing legal aid was not directly addressed.
I Refer The Hon. Gentleman To Scottishlegal.Com, Which Has Commented On How The Snp Has Decimated Legal Aid In Scotland.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP discusses the inadequacy of immigration legal aid, citing a report by Scottishlegal.com on SNP's record in Scotland.
While efforts to clear the asylum backlog are important, they must be well funded and ensure access to justice. However, thousands of asylum seekers have been denied legal representation due to under-resourced bureaucracy and rushed decisions. Why does the UK Government fail to recognise this crisis?
We spent £44 million on immigration legal aid in 2022-23. The hourly rate for this work has increased by 15%, and we are considering remote access and payment for travelling to enhance availability of legal aid.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue of underfunding and difficulty accessing legal aid was not directly addressed.
I Refer The Hon. Gentleman To Scottishlegal.Com, Which Has Commented On How The Snp Has Decimated Legal Aid In Scotland.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights that asylum claimants often face multiple appeals due to poor or no legal representation, increasing costs and trapping vulnerable people in limbo.
The Bar Council has highlighted the fact that asylum claimants with meritorious cases go through multiple appeals due to poor or no legal representation. This jacks up costs for courts, Home Office, and local authorities while trapping people in a limbo. If not addressing this crisis because it is the right thing to do, will they do so because it is financially sound?
We are increasing fees for those taking on legal aid work under the Illegal Migration Act 2023 by 15% and rolling out remote access and payment for travel. These steps ensure availability of legal aid, which I do not accept as a crisis.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue of underfunding and difficulty accessing legal aid was not directly addressed.
I Can Quote The Scottish Bar Council'S Views On The Snp'S Record.
Response accuracy