Law Centres threaten to boycott new contracts

Law Centres have decided that they will boycott the new Legal Services Commission legal aid contracts unless there are substantial changes.

At their annual conference in Manchester on 11th November Legal Aid Minister Vera Baird QC spoke on the proposed changes to legal aid due to be introduced in April following the Carter Review. 

Law Centres voiced concern at the amount of the fixed fees that are being proposed, as they will not cover the cost of the work they do for poor and vulnerable clients. A Federation survey of Law Centres recently found that 9/10 Law Centres were turning clients away and that 10/10 believed that the proposals would lead to more gaps in provision.

They fear that the proposed new contract due to be introduced in April will force them out of legal aid work. The contract will make the management committees of Law Centres personally responsible for any losses made from legal aid work.

“We are absolutely committed to fixed and graduated fees, and will not shrink from this, but we want to get these right,” she said. Baird accepted that the changes would be greater for the Not for Profit Sector saying, “We will ensure that the transition is made easy as possible and will be supportive.”

John Fitzpatrick, the Chair of LCF warned the Minister that Law Centres had voted to boycott the new contracts in a motion that had been passed the previous day.

“The Government’s proposals on legal aid simply will not work. Under the proposed scheme people will not get the advice they need. Law Centres will refuse to co-operate unless there are some substantial changes. Social justice and the rule of law demand a rethink”, he said.

ENDS

Press Contact - Steve Hynes, LCF Director 020 7255 9592