Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Duty Solicitors: England

Tuesday 5 July 2022 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government increasing police station fees by 18% to support criminal legal aid funding
  • Minister did not address shortages of duty solicitors in housing possession courts as asked
  • Minister confirmed 15% fee increases for most criminal legal aid schemes by September end

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Justice & Courts Employment
Context

The MP noted that Boothroyd Solicitors, who provide legal aid services in her constituency, reported financial difficulties due to high costs and cuts to criminal legal aid. They warn about the impact on access to duty solicitors.

Question

Despite being very busy, Boothroyd Solicitors report financial difficulties from business costs mixed with cuts to criminal legal aid, receiving promises but no action. They warn that access to duty solicitors will be severely impacted in years ahead if not tackled now. Will the Government urgently address this?

Answer from James Cartlidge

We are increasing police station fees by 18%, including expected additional expenditure, to support funding for criminal legal aid. We also want a new generation coming through, ensuring those with Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualifications can participate in the duty solicitor scheme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about urgent action addressing financial difficulties and access to duty solicitors; the answer provided details on fee increases but did not address immediate actions or the current financial state of duty solicitors.

How: Reframing

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Q2 Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside
Justice & Courts Housing
Context

The MP highlighted shortages of duty solicitors in housing possession court and supported barristers striking over unsustainable cuts to pay and conditions.

Question

Merseyside and Vauxhall law centres do an excellent job providing legal support. What steps is the Minister taking to review shortages of duty solicitors at housing possession court, and what are his plans to improve this inconsistent approach?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The Minister responded by discussing Labour's stance on fee increases for criminal legal aid, rather than addressing the question about shortages and improvements in housing possession courts.

Not addressed: The question asked about reviewing shortages of duty solicitors and improving provision; the answer did not address these issues but instead focused on fee increases.

How: Changing Subject

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Q3 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Justice & Courts Employment Business Compliance
Context

The MP noted that Boothroyd Solicitors report financial difficulties due to high costs and cuts to criminal legal aid, warning about the impact on access to duty solicitors.

Question

Despite being busy, Boothroyd Solicitors face financial difficulties from business costs and cuts to criminal legal aid. They receive promises but no action; they warn that access to duty solicitors will be severely impacted in years ahead if not tackled now. Will the Government urgently address this?

Answer from James Cartlidge

We are increasing police station fees by 18%, including expected additional expenditure, to support funding for criminal legal aid. We also want a new generation coming through, ensuring those with Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualifications can participate in the duty solicitor scheme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about urgent action addressing financial difficulties and access to duty solicitors; the answer provided details on fee increases but did not address immediate actions or current financial state of duty solicitors.

How: Reframing

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Q4 Bob Neill Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP referenced the Justice Committee's acceptance of Sir Christopher Bellamy's review, which relates to fees for both barristers and solicitors in criminal work.

Question

Will the Minister reassure practitioners that he accepts £135 million as a first step and that the Government are willing to engage with the professions on further steps?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The Minister confirmed 15% fee increases for most criminal legal aid schemes by the end of September, stating readiness to move on to the next phase of reform with all parties including CBA and Bar Council.

Answered
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