Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 24 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 February 2006. It was answered by Bridget Prentice (Labour) on Thursday, 2 March 2006 on behalf of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Legal Services Commisson

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what assessment she has made of the Legal Services Commission decision to cease funding specialist support and legal advice in complex cases; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Specialist support services form part of the Legal Services Commission's (LSC) special projects budget. Research undertaken by the LSC which underpins their consultation paper ““Making legal rights a reality”” points to an increasing demand for front line advice for the most needy.Given the pressure on the limited legal aid budget and the number of clients needing legal advice, the LSC has concluded that the £2.3 million will be redirected to fund direct legal advice in the next financial year. This will increase access to legal aid services for vulnerable people.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 54723; 443 c932W;443 c932W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Specialist Advice
Monday, 13 March 2006
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Finance Legal aid scheme Legal Services Commission
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk