Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Covid-19 Legal Aid Sector Support

2021-03-16

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Sarah Olney Lib Dem
Richmond Park
▸ Context
The question arises due to the legal aid sector's challenges during the covid-19 outbreak, including financial strain and case backlog.
What support is being provided to the legal aid sector during the current pandemic?
Robert Buckland
We have expanded hardship payments, relaxed evidence requirements, increased opportunities to claim payment on account in civil cases, halted pursuit of outstanding debts owed by providers, and suspended sanctions. These are in addition to other measures to support the sector during this crisis.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Sarah Olney Lib Dem
Richmond Park
▸ Context
Concerns about legal aid lawyers' cash flow due to the backlog of Crown court cases and payment conditions.
With 56,544 outstanding Crown court cases at the end of January, what steps have been taken to assist legal aid lawyers with their cash flow?
Robert Buckland
We have reduced the threshold for work done by criminal lawyers from £5,000 to £450 for hardship payments and relaxed evidence requirements. These steps aim to maintain court throughput as we move through the year with a proactive listing strategy.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Karl Turner Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
▸ Context
The concern is about the number of criminal legal aid firms declining, impacting domestic abuse victims' representation.
With over 400 fewer criminal legal aid firms today compared to 2015, leading to a rise in unrepresented domestic abuse victims, does the Secretary of State agree that action must be taken before the CLAR recommendations are implemented?
Robert Buckland
Phase 1 of CLAR has already injected £51 million into criminal legal aid fees, the most significant investment in a quarter century. The new chair, Sir Christopher Bellamy QC, is engaging with professionals to ensure sustainability and representation for those in need.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Immediate action before CLAR recommendations implementation was not confirmed
Working On Existing Evidence New Chair Engagement
Response accuracy