The Impact of Legal Aid Cuts
Legal aid supports many people, but recent statistics show that many in the UK can’t afford legal help. This creates significant challenges for the justice system and society. This blog examines the state of legal aid, the impact of cuts, and ongoing efforts to address these issues.
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) 2012 reshaped the aid system. It removed coverage for many cases, including family, employment, housing, and debt issues. As a result, legal aid cases dropped sharply from nearly a million in 2009/10 to 130,000 in 2021/22. During this period, the number of people representing themselves in court tripled, which highlights a serious gap in access to legal support according to The Law Society.
The Current State
According to a Ministry of Justice review, most aid providers are finding it unprofitable to continue offering these services. In fact, 40% of them are considering leaving the sector within the next five years. This trend is leading to “legal aid deserts” – areas where legal aid services are almost non-existent, leaving many people without the legal help they desperately need as highlighted by The Law Society.
Insights from the Legal Needs Survey
The Legal Services Board conducted the largest-ever legal needs survey in England and Wales, and the results were eye-opening. It found that 31% of people with a contentious legal problem didn’t get the help they needed. Often, this was because they didn’t realise their issue was legal in nature or they couldn’t find the right kind of help. The survey also showed that those who did get professional legal help were more likely to feel they had a fair outcome (66% compared to 53% who didn’t receive professional help) according to the Legal Services Board.
Efforts to Address the Crisis
Recognising the dire situation, various initiatives are being launched to reform the legal aid system. One significant effort is the review of the legal aid means test, which aims to expand eligibility, potentially allowing up to six million more people to access free legal advice. This includes expanding eligibility to anyone under 18 who needs legal representation and parents challenging critical medical decisions for their children as per The Law Society.
However, there are still challenges. The eligibility thresholds need to be updated regularly to keep pace with inflation, and there must be sufficient funding to ensure the sustainability of legal aid services as noted by The Law Society.
How Pre-Law can help
At Pre-Law, we tackle the crisis by offering an alternative solution as a legal service provider. Based in Lancaster, we serve the Lancaster and Morecambe Bay area and provide nationwide support through our online services. A qualified, practising solicitor handles all cases, delivering high-quality legal services at affordable rates. Our efficient communication and quick turnaround times keep services accessible and cost-effective. By simplifying access to professional legal help, we aim to bridge the legal aid gap and support those in need. Visit us at Pre-Law to learn more about how we can help.
Or call us on 01524 907100.