30
We welcome the Government’s decision to review the means test for both civil and criminal...
Conclusion
We welcome the Government’s decision to review the means test for both civil and criminal legal aid. There is a strong consensus among witnesses that any revised means test for civil legal aid should be simpler, for example by using passporting, should be set at an objectively defined poverty line and should be regularly uprated. The vast majority of taxpayers are not eligible for civil legal aid, and for those that are, it is often difficult to access.
Paragraph Reference
114
Government Response
Not Addressed
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Means Test Review is considering the full range of means-testing criteria, including income and capital thresholds and passporting provisions for people receiving certain benefits, and will look at whether capital passporting for civil legal aid applicants should be reintroduced. This review is looking at proposals that will ensure access to justice, especially for those on low incomes.
Source
Committee
Justice Committee
Inquiry
The Future of Legal Aid
Report
3rd Report - The Future of Legal Aid
27 Jul 2021
HC 70
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Recommendation age
4.8 yrs
Report published
27 Jul 2021