Access to justice: Public Funding

Question 1

What was the Legal Aid Agency created by?

Answer 1

By the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO).

Question 2

What does the agency run?

Answer 2

It runs the legal aid scheme in UK, providing legal aid and advice

Question 3

What is the role of the agency? 4

Answer 3

It ensures legal aid services are available to the public.
It funds the Civil Legal Advice service
Publishes evidence about decisions made on where or not to fund a case
Runs Public Defender Service

Question 4

What is the role of the Civil Legal Advice Service?

Answer 4

Provides free and confidential advice in civil law matters

Question 5

What is the advantage of the Civil Legal Advice Service and Public Defender Service? 3

Answer 5

Funding of cases for those on low income
Fundamental right to the services
A stepped contribution process, allowing fairer access to justice for poorer people

Question 6

Disadvantages of the Civil Legal Advice Service and Public Defender Service? 5

Answer 6

Penalises those in employment who have to contribute or are entirely refused.
Very strict means test
Less attractive to qualified solicitors as paid less
Seen as quick entry into profession by inexperienced solicitors
Aid unavailable for employment tribunal cases