Engagement on changes to civil legal aid means assessment

We are seeking the views of the profession and others in a stakeholder engagement exercise launched today about changes we are making to means assessment in civil legal aid.

We intend to undertake targeted discussions with a group of stakeholders in the New Year: in particular, those who had previously expressed a specific interest in our policies on means assessment (for instance, via their participation in the recent Civil Legal Aid Inquiry).

However, we recognise that others may also wish to give input on this topic, and as such, we are offering an additional route for written feedback, open to all (see below).

How can you help us?

We want your views on the following changes:

• the introduction of standardised discretionary allowances in the calculation of disposable income; and
• changes to the calculation and collection of income contributions.

We are seeking your views on the impacts of the planned changes, and in particular, on any unanticipated risks or possible equalities-related impacts on applicants: the input of the profession and others is important in enabling us to review the possible impacts of the proposals prior to implementation.

We have prepared a full briefing on these changes.

How to give your view

Please note, the briefing includes an appendix on p15 with questions for consideration and details of how to respond (online form or email).

Respondents are not required to submit an answer to all questions and can choose to answer some or all of the questions as they choose.

You may also choose to submit an anonymous response, or a response which is not to be published.

Deadline for responses

This stakeholder engagement process closes at 5pm on Friday 13 February 2026.

More information

If you have any questions about the consultation, please contact forbeski@slab.org.uk.