Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Domestic Abuse Victims: Legal Aid

Tuesday 8 February 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government are conducting a review of the means test for legal aid, specifically for domestic abuse victims.
  • The cap on mortgage debt used in determining access to civil legal aid has been removed.
  • The Minister is meeting the Criminal Bar Association to engage on issues affecting the criminal justice system.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The adequacy of support through the legal aid system for victims of domestic abuse is being assessed.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of support provided through the legal aid system for victims of domestic abuse?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The Government are conducting a review of the means test for legal aid, specifically considering domestic abuse victims; this consultation will be published shortly. The cap on mortgage debt used in determining access to civil legal aid has been removed to improve access to legal aid.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific assessment requested was not directly addressed.

How: Under Review

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Q2 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Justice & Courts
Context

The Bellamy review outlines serious and long-standing concerns about criminal legal aid funding, which affects victims of domestic abuse.

Question

What assessment has been made of the impact of a potential CBA strike on the courts backlog? Will engagement with the Criminal Bar Association be committed to ensure victims are not denied access to justice?

Answer from James Cartlidge

I am meeting the Criminal Bar Association later this week and engaging through an all-party parliamentary group webinar. I am engaging with stakeholders to draw up policy for better reform of the criminal justice system.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific assessment requested was not directly addressed.

How: Under Review

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Q3 Tom Hunt
Employment Local Government
Context

Lighthouse Women's Aid in Ipswich does important work, and there are seven outposts planned for Ministry of Justice civil servants.

Question

What is the timeline for jobs coming to Ipswich as part of the Ministry of Justice move out of London? What strategy will be implemented to ensure local people benefit?

Answer from James Cartlidge

Further details of the plan to move staff out of London will be set out. The aim is in line with the Government's levelling-up agenda, welcoming support for voluntary sector work like that of Lighthouse Women's Aid.

Not addressed: The specific timeline and local hiring strategy were not provided.

How: Future Planning

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