The funding, announced by the Ministry of Justice this week, will be administered by the Access to Justice Foundation and the Law Centres Network (LCN).
LCN Chair Helen Rogers said: ‘The pandemic’s uneven impact is a grim reminder of the deep inequality in our society that affects every aspect of life.
‘This support recognises the key role of legal assistance in reducing inequality and bringing justice for all.’
Meanwhile, sections of the Bar and the solicitors’ profession have expressed concern about their ability to survive the pandemic.
In a Law Society survey of small firms (four or fewer partners, including sole practitioners) last week, 71% said they may have to close their business in the next six months as a result of the crisis. The respondents reported cashflow pressures and reduced fee income due to reduced court hearings and property transactions, and declining business activity overall.
Law Society President Simon Davis said many businesses will fall through the cracks of government relief, for example, there is no support for solicitors who are paid via dividends or who are self-employed but earned more than £50,000 profit in the preceding year.
Amanda Pinto QC, Chair of the Bar, welcomed the extra funding for charities and law centres but said: ‘Propping up law centres is only a small part of what is necessary to protect the public: if it is not accompanied by practical support for barristers and solicitors, many of whom are struggling to stay afloat, access to justice will sink with them.’
A Bar Council survey in April found 53% of self-employed barristers will not survive six months under current conditions without financial aid of some sort, and 74% won’t survive a year. The criminal bar was hardest hit―31% said they would not last three months without financial aid, 69% would not last six months and 88% would not last a year.
Pinto has called on the Treasury to expand its rescue package so more self-employed barristers are eligible.
