The House of Commons’ Justice Select Committee is urging the government to conduct an urgent crossdepartmental review of funding of all elements of the criminal justice system, with the aim of restoring resources to a level that enables the system to operate effectively.
Committee Chair Bob Neill MP said: ‘In criminal cases, there is a common law right to legal advice, and a right to legal representation under the European Convention on Human Rights. There is compelling evidence of the fragility of the Criminal Bar and criminal defence solicitors’ firms, which places these rights at risk—a risk which can no longer be ignored.
‘The government must carry out comprehensive reviews to develop policies that are sustainable in the long term.’
While the committee welcomed the government’s additional funding for the Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS), and the Criminal Bar’s acceptance of the offer, it said it did not believe that the underlying issues have been resolved.
