https://www.slab.org.uk/news/transformational-vision-for-legal-aid-will-put-users-at-heart-of-reformed-system/
https://www.slab.org.uk/news/transformational-vision-for-legal-aid-will-put-users-at-heart-of-reformed-system/
13 October 2026
The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) has today set out its vision for a transformed legal aid system built to meet changing needs of the people of Scotland.
In its response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on legal aid reform, SLAB proposes a new approach that would protect the interests of justice and make a significant contribution to public policy objectives.
Central to the detailed submission is a commitment to maintaining operational independence from Ministers, regardless of the government of the day, while enhancing access to justice so that people can protect their rights, resolve legal issues and settle disputes.
The ambitious proposals would also see SLAB work closely with stakeholders to develop strategic plans to deliver agreed public policy objectives, such as supporting action to reduce poverty, advance equality and provide access to agreed levels of help on priority issues.
Chief Executive of SLAB, Colin Lancaster, said:
“Legal aid reform is not just welcome, it’s essential. Transformational change is required for the system to deliver what is rightly expected by the public and Parliament and that vision is at the heart of our consultation response.
“We know the current system is reactive, unplanned, and has very few mechanisms to direct resources towards areas of need. We must do what we can to change that and that is why we are fully committed to the Scottish Government’s plans to reform the legal aid system over the coming years.
“We are ready to drive change in support of this approach and look forward to working with all stakeholders to reshape the legal aid system as a public service. Crucially, rather than simply administering the system, there is an opportunity for us to make a real difference towards agreed strategic outcomes.”
Chair of SLAB, Bill Moyes, said:
“As a Board we are fully behind the Scottish Government’s ambition to reform the legal aid system. We are rightly proud of the impact the current system has had, and continues to have, on people in communities across the country but we know we can go further if meaningful change is delivered.
“We have a generational opportunity to redesign a system that was created to protect the most vulnerable in society and to make sure it is fit-for-purpose for years to come. That is an opportunity we must capitalise on.”
SLAB’s submission sets out a clear vision for a modern, simplified, user-focused and resilient system, with transparent governance at its heart. The response also details five key delivery principles, informed by approaches in other jurisdictions, that would shape how the purpose of legal aid is put into practice.
Legal aid should assist people to uphold their rights where they could not otherwise afford to do so, with cases funded independently of the government of the day.
Legal aid should not only help people access formal ways to resolve disputes but should also, where appropriate, support prevention and early resolution before problems become more difficult or costly.
The system should be planned and designed around the people who use it, based on evidence about their needs and experiences.
Legal aid services should be designed and delivered as accessible, high-quality public services. This principle should guide practical decisions about how services are specified, funded and delivered.
Legal aid is part of a wider system of publicly funded legal assistance and public services. Legal aid should help the justice system work effectively. Decisions about legal aid should therefore take account of that wider landscape, including through consultation and engagement with others.