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.
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