The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) launched a six-week consultation last week proposing a single scheme comprising fees for service elements of inquest work such as preparation and attendance, travel and waiting and routine letters and calls as well as advocacy.
Law Society president Mark Evans said the proposals were ‘a step in the right direction to reduce the day-to-day bureaucracy faced by firms.
‘The structural changes will bring both advocacy and solicitors’ work under a single legal aid certificate, creating a simpler and more efficient system.’ However, Evans expressed concern the government funding would be insufficient to handle the ‘vast increase in the number of inquests in which families will qualify for legal aid.
‘Without enough lawyers to undertake this work, bereaved families will not find themselves on the level playing field this legislation offers them’.
The consultation, ‘Legal aid for inquests: changes to fee schemes’, closes on 19 June.
