News Battle begins to secure solicitors in local magistrates courts
The battle to bring more solicitors back to magistrates' courts like Goole's has taken a step forward.
Criminal lawyers in Hull have lodged an appeal for a judicial review at the High Court following reforms to the legal aid system which criminal lawyers say mean they are unable to travel to rural courts,
The reforms, brought in at the end of last year by the Legal System Commission, introduced a fixed fee system.
It means that solicitors can no longer make a separate claim for travelling to courts in Goole, Bridlington and Beverley or for waiting if a prisoner does not turn up or legal files go missing.
They are appealing for the High Court to intervene in the matter.
Prospective Goole MP Andrew Percy has already expressed concern about legal aid cover, saying: "Proper legal representation is a right, not a luxury and as legal aid provides advice to people who are often very vulnerable, it is vital that the Government makes changes to the system."
A spokesperson for the local Labour party said: "Legal aid has been increased by 37 per cent since Labour came to power but it is important that the taxpayer gets value for their money.
"Fixed fees will help this and they do include travel costs.
"It is right to say they have led to a change in Goole. Before this change there was one company offering legal aid at Goole Magistrates' Court, now there are five, as well as four organisations in the town giving civil advice funded by legal aid."
The Government has also set up a national Community Legal Service providing confidential help and advice which can be contacted on 0845 345 4 345.
Published on 2nd August 2007 in News.
Add to: Digg | del.icio.us | Reddit
Comments
There are currently no comments
Comment
All comments are subject to moderation (during normal office hours) and may be amended.
Email addresses are required for administration purposes only.
By contributing your comments, you accept our terms and conditions.