Legal aid modernisation ahead

Friday 17 2005

“Advice for All,” the consultation published by Ministers today, heralds a new era of improved legal advice services in Scotland that better meet the needs of people in their local communities, said the Scottish Legal Aid Board.

Jean Couper, Chairman of the Scottish Legal Aid Board said:

“The Board is committed to improving and developing legal advice in Scotland that is funded by the taxpayer. These are important public services. Therefore I welcome very much this timely consultation setting out a range of changes that can offer someone seeking help with a legal problem an improved Scotland-wide legal advice service that is accessible, high quality and delivers good value for the taxpayer.”

“I also welcome Ministers’ commitment to making the modernisation of the publicly funded legal advice system happen as early as possible. The consultation puts forward a range of proposals for reform. Some would lead to improvements we have sought, such as revising financial eligibility for civil legal assistance, to increase access to justice. Other important measures will ensure the system can be better planned and managed and that, for example, there is an adequate supply of quality assured providers of all types of legal assistance.”

“Over the last five years we have introduced substantial improvements in the legal aid system and reviewed and debated with others how best the legal advice system can be developed. For people who need legal advice, it is only right that we continue to make those improvements to give them a better service, whilst achieving the reforms required to best meet their needs and those of the taxpayer.”

“We will consider carefully the proposals in the consultation paper. We are committed to working with the Executive, legal profession, wider advice sector and other stakeholders to address Ministers’ decisions and will respond quickly to introduce any short-term changes as well as develop proposals and plans to implement other changes that cannot be taken forward in the short-term.”

The Board funds legal advice and representation provided by solicitors and advocates to the tune of around £150 million a year. In addition there is a substantial range of advice and information services provided by the advice sector and local authorities much of which is funded through support from local government.

Jean Couper added:

“We value the work of the legal profession in delivering legal aid services to enable people to gain access to the justice system. Moreover, the consultation rightly highlights the equally important role that local authorities and the advice sector play in providing legal advice, information and representation.”

“More and more we work in partnership with the Executive, profession and wider advice sector, and many of the developments achieved so far owe much to their co-operation and support. Increased collaboration between the Board and others not only helps each organisation to achieve its own objectives, it is also fundamental to delivering modernisation of the system.”

Over the last few years there have been major developments to legal aid, such as substantial changes to civil legal aid, pilot advice projects and advice partnerships, and changes in criminal legal aid. The Board has steadily improved the service delivered and year on year achieved higher performance against increased targets. The ongoing programme of investment in new systems will further improve the operation of the legal aid system.

The Board recently published its Corporate Plan for 2005-2006, which sets out further changes in legal assistance in the coming year, such as reform of civil advice and assistance, work to minimise bureaucracy in legal aid and the availability of services online. Moreover, it has increased performance targets reflecting its commitment to applicants, opponents and the legal profession to deliver its services on time and to a high standard.

Ends

Journalists please contact: Colin Sim tel (direct) 0131 240 2033, mobile 07768 707454, or email simco@slab.org.uk

Notes for editors

1. The consultation paper “Access for All” is available from the Scottish Executive’s website in the consultations section.

2. Legal aid allows people who would not otherwise be able to afford it to get help for their legal problems. Legal aid and advice and assistance can only be accessed through a solicitor.

The Board’s mission is to promote the development and delivery of appropriate access to quality legal assistance for those eligible, in a cost-effective manner. In 2003-2004 £146.0 million was spent on providing legal aid.

3. "Opportunities for access," the Board's Corporate Plan 2005-2006 is available on its website at www.slab.org.uk and from its Communications department.