The Law Society of England and Wales is urging the government to
invest more money to help restore civil legal aid and ensure
everyone has access to this vital public service.
Launching its civil legal aid campaign on Monday 9 June, the Law
Society recognised that the government has taken positive steps
to increase civil legal aid fees for housing and immigration.
However, further investment is needed across all areas including
family, community care, inquests and mental health.
Research by the Law Society, Legal Services Board and YouGov*
reveals that people experiencing domestic abuse are less likely
to understand their legal rights, know where to obtain legal
advice or have confidence in achieving a good outcome. More than
half (55%) of adults with a domestic abuse issue received no
legal support and of those, 54% tried but were
unsuccessful**.
The Law Society's new legal aid desert map*** shows more than 42
million people in England and Wales – nearly 70% of the
population – are denied access to a community care legal aid
provider in their area .
Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: “Civil legal aid is
a crucial service that protects people and communities and
reduces the strain on other public services.
“By throwing a legal lifeline to everyone who needs it, we
strengthen families, protect children and provide better care for
people in our communities.
“Access to legal advice is of the utmost importance, particularly
in cases involving domestic abuse, community care and mental
health treatment disputes. Unfortunately, many people in these
situations often struggle to obtain legal support and vital legal
aid services are closing down.
“The government must properly fund all areas of civil legal aid,
a vital public service, to help level the playing field and
ensure a fairer society for all.”
The Law Society's campaign is calling on the government to take
immediate action to properly fund civil legal aid as well
as:
- The reinstatement of early legal advice for separating
families, ensuring quick resolution of issues and reducing
costly, stressful court battles.
- Guaranteed legal aid for both survivors and the accused in
family law cases involving allegations of abuse, ensuring fair
representation for all parties.
- Increased legal aid fees for family law, mental health,
community care and other critical areas to attract and retain
legal aid providers.
- A fair means test that doesn't leave people living in poverty
priced out of accessing justice.
Notes to editors
- * Law Society, LSB, YouGov, Legal Needs Survey dataset 2023
on domestic abuse, child protection and issues or disputes
relating to treatment for mental health.
- ** See bar chart attached
- *** The Law Society's legal aid desert map will be available
from Monday 9 June.
