3rd Report - The Future of Legal Aid
Select Committee
Justice Committee
HC 70
27 July 2021
Government response
4th Special Report - The Future of Legal Aid: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report · published 16 Nov 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
4 results
7
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 38
There are serious problems with the current fee schemes for criminal legal aid.
Recommendation
There are serious problems with the current fee schemes for criminal legal aid. The fees and rates do not reflect the work required. The schemes should be reformed to ensure that they offer a fair rate for the work required …
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Government Response Summary
The government injected up to £51m per annum into the criminal legal aid system in September 2020. Additionally, the Criminal Legal Aid Independent Review is considering a mechanism for regular fee review to ensure flexibility and fairness.
Ministry of Justice
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17
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 73
We recommend that the Government implement the recommendations of the Taylor Review of Youth Justice:...
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government implement the recommendations of the Taylor Review of Youth Justice: to review the fee structure of cases heard in the youth courts in order to raise their status and improve the quality of legal representation …
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Government Response Summary
The government states the Criminal Legal Aid Independent Review is considering youth justice fee structures. For the recommendation on presumed legal representation at police stations, the government is considering trialling a system that presumes uptake of advice for young and vulnerable individuals in police custody.
Ministry of Justice
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38
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Online legal services should not be seen as a replacement for traditional face-to-face services, especially...
Recommendation
Online legal services should not be seen as a replacement for traditional face-to-face services, especially when such a high proportion of those who qualify for legal aid do not always have reliable access to digital technology. That said, we agree …
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Government Response Summary
The government has developed an online pilot for housing disrepair advice and signposting as part of its Legal Support Action Plan, accessible via GOV.UK, but does not address supporting legal aid providers to upgrade their digital infrastructure.
Ministry of Justice
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39
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 140
We commend the Legal Aid Agency for its work supporting legal aid providers since the...
Recommendation
We commend the Legal Aid Agency for its work supporting legal aid providers since the start of the pandemic. The approach taken by the Agency and its staff shows that it can be flexible and proactive if the circumstances allow. …
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Government Response Summary
The LAA has already made some pandemic-related changes permanent and continues to keep other active contingencies under review. It also commits to maintaining an open dialogue with providers and continuously seeking opportunities to improve processes and systems.
Ministry of Justice
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