April 2019
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Attendees at this timely seminar discussed the key findings of the Government’s recently published post-implementation review of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO), and the implications for future reform of the legal aid system.
There was discussion on whether LASPO has been successful in discouraging unnecessary and adversarial litigation as intended, including possible cost impacts elsewhere in government and on the NHS.
With the Legal Support Action Plan launching a review on the legal aid means testing framework, delegates discussed the current system’s thresholds for legal aid entitlement, how to best align the means test with the wider legal aid criteria and the next steps for reform to the system as it looks to support the most serious cases whilst retaining access to justice.
Delegates also discussed the latest thinking on reforms to the Exceptional Case Funding Scheme to include an emergency procedure for urgent matters following concerns raised by the Joint Select Committee report, which highlighted the need for further support for those using the scheme, particularly due to barriers for applicants, and challenges raised by legal practitioners in providing assistance.
Delegates assessed fees and the current working pressures for legal aid lawyers, in light of the announced Government review of criminal legal aid pay - and as they respond to their Advocates Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS) consultation. Attendees also discussed Government investment of £3 million that will support LiP’s, as well as Government’s proposals to improve early intervention through investing £5 million in technology services.
Further sessions considered the future role of services such as mediation, pro-bono and McKenzie Friends in meeting un-met legal need, as well as options for strengthening public legal education.
