Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There is concern over the reduction in civil legal aid providers from more than 2,100 to fewer than 1,400 in the past decade. Some areas are facing shortages of legal aid services, known as deserts.
What steps have been taken to increase availability of legal aid? With legal aid providers decreasing and some regions becoming deserts, what assurances can you give that no further closures will occur before the civil legal aid review concludes?
Since the new standard contract was introduced in October, there has been an increase in duty solicitors and firms taking on legal aid. The Legal Aid Agency closely monitors deserts to ensure no part of the country is left uncovered.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assurances against closures until the review concludes
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Civil legal aid providers have decreased from over 2,100 to fewer than 1,400 in the last decade. Areas like the south Wales valleys are experiencing shortages of legal aid services.
With civil legal aid providers falling and areas becoming deserts, what assurances can you give that no further closures will occur before the review concludes?
Since October's new standard contract was introduced, there has been an increase in duty solicitors and firms taking on legal aid. The Legal Aid Agency closely monitors deserts to ensure no part of the country is left uncovered.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assurances against closures until the review concludes
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns that political decisions have weakened the criminal justice system. Barristers received a 15% increase, while solicitors only got a 9%, potentially risking access to justice for victims.
Given recent budgeting choices that affect the criminal justice system and considering the Bellamy review recommendation of a 15% raise for both barristers and solicitors, will you commit to funding all recommendations made by the Bellamy review to ensure equal treatment between prosecution and defence lawyers?
The uplift for solicitors and barristers has already started being paid. Since the new contract was introduced, we have seen an increase in duty solicitors and firms taking on legal aid. We are having constructive discussions with the Law Society to address concerns.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to fully funding all Bellamy review recommendations
Response accuracy