header-logo header-logo

Home Login E-newsletter About us
05 January 2018 / Steve Hynes
Issue: 7775 / Categories: Opinion , Legal aid focus , Profession
printer mail-detail

Frozen out? Civil legal aid

© Copyright LexisNexis 2026. All Rights Reserved.
nlj_7775_hynes_0

The review of LASPO should be used as an opportunity to develop a vision for early advice services, says Steve Hynes

Over recent months there have been calls from politicians and campaigners for the government to look at restoring early advice for civil legal problems. The Law Society in November published research which demonstrated the link between early advice and resolving a problem sooner. The Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC, is among the politicians who are now calling for a re-think on early advice. Legal Action Group (LAG) welcomes the increased pressure on the government regarding this issue, but we are warning that action needs to be taken urgently, as civil legal aid is becoming a narrow collection of specialisms dominated by child protection, with shrinking provision for the type of early advice services needed by the general public.

Plummeting numbers

The Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders 2012 Act (LASPO) is the main culprit behind the current crisis. From April 2013 the axe fell on ‘legal help’, the

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Read All
Sponsored by
Zylpha LogoClick to know more
Clarke Willmott—Anita Rasaratnam

Clarke Willmott—Anita Rasaratnam

Clarke Willmott strengthens social housing development offering with senior London appointment

Trowers & Hamlins—David Meecham

Trowers & Hamlins—David Meecham

Trowers strengthens Birmingham real estate team with partner hire

Blake Morgan—Jennifer Ray & Louise Culleton

Blake Morgan—Jennifer Ray & Louise Culleton

Blake Morgan expands private client and regulatory teams with new legal directors

NEWS
Read All
Fresh hope for jury trials?
A mood of cautious optimism has enveloped the criminal law sector following indications the Prime Minister may abandon planned jury reforms
Check out the NLJ Directory
Helping to source the services and providers you need
NLJ this week: Security denied
The Senior Courts Costs Office has clarified that judges conducting detailed assessment proceedings cannot order security for costs—a ruling that may leave successful parties exposed to further litigation expense
NLJ this week: Costs sting after a courtroom gamble
Rejecting a generous settlement can prove an expensive mistake, as two recent high-profile cases demonstrate
NLJ this week: Silence carries a price
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) continues to show that failing to disclose regulatory issues can attract harsher consequences than the original misconduct itself
Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
back-to-top-scroll