In a recent report, the Joint Committee on Human Rights said cuts to Legal Aid have left them with “grave concerns for access to justice”. Their report arose following the Government review of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act. The Committee now demands a review of eligibility criteria, which has not been updated to coincide with the poverty line.
There has been a reduction in Legal Aid funding by £950 million per year since the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act was passed in 2012, resulting in fewer members of society having access to justice.
The Committee stated that the Equality and Human Rights Commission should be extended so that it can pursue human rights cases on the same basis as it supports equality cases.
David Isaac, chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission states that “legal aid was specifically set up to ensure that those who have been wronged, but cannot afford their own legal representation, can access justice.” He also expressed support for the Committee’s recommendation that the EHRC powers in tackling human rights breaches should be further strengthened to ensure that members of society have their human rights “respected and protected”.
The Committee described Britain as having “legal aid deserts”, as a decreasing amount of firms are able to pursue legal aid work.
Here at Ramsdens Solicitors, our Abuse team will explore each case in depth and on an individual basis in order to thoroughly investigate the merits of the claim.
Our team strive to eradicate the disparity of legal aid eligibility by offering our clients alternative methods of funding if they do not satisfy the criteria for legal aid ensuring access justice.
Our team are experienced in advising clients of their legal options and to seek justice for their maltreatment. If any issues within this article have affected you or a loved one please contact the abuse team on 0113 887 1834 for a chat in total confidence. Alternatively, you can make an enquiry using the enquiry form and we will be in touch when it is convenient for you.
At Ramsdens we also offer Legal Aid in our Care, Family, Court of Protection and Mental Health departments.