May 2008 Shifting Sands
Time may be running out for the pioneering Law Centres movement, born 40 years ago at the high point of 1960s idealism. Jon Robins reports on the sector’s struggle for survival
Article by Jon Robins, freelance journalist and director of communications and campaigns for the Legal Action Group published on 15th May in the Law Society Gazette.
Law_Society_Gazzette_Shifting_Sands_15.05.08.doc
May 2008 Priorities for the Legal Aid system
Covers the history and current priorities for civil and criminal legal aid and a round up of how the government is reshaping the system.
Priorities_for_Legal_Aid_Steve_Hynes_05.08.doc
Steve Hynes, Director of Legal Action. Speech delivered to the College of Law on 14th May 2008.
May 2008 Ensuring Access to Environmental Justice
In a Report published in May, a working party chaired by the Hon Mr Justice Sullivan declared that changes must be implemented in the court rules on costs that effectively prevent individuals and groups from bringing legal challenges to environmental decisions, if the UK is not to breach the Aarhus Convention.
Ensuring_Environmental_Justice_May_08.pdf
May 2008 Hard Work, Hidden Lives
Research commissioned by the TUC’s Commission on Vulnerable Employees (CoVE) Published in May 2008. Chapter two (page 33) ‘Increasing Awareness and Advice’ sets out the scale of the problem and possible solutions. Hard_Work,_Hidden_Lives_Full_Report_05.08.pdf
Summary: Hard_Work,_Hidden_Lives_05.08.pdf
April 2008 Question in parliament on legal aid
Report in the Guardian on 30th April and Hansard coverage of the debate.
‘Tories warned of the creation of “legal aid deserts” affecting some of the most vulnerable in society. Henry Bellingham, for the Conservatives, warned law firms were giving up legal aid work in key areas after a recent dispute. But justice minister Bridget Prentice insisted a new agreement struck by the government over legal aid contracts would bring “stability and certainty” for legal aid providers.’
Yesterday_in_parliament_29.04.08.doc
Press reports on legal aid can be found under ‘Articles’.
April 2008 Law on the front line at risk
Article by Jon Robins. Published in The Times on 29th April 2008.
All over the country Citizens Advice Bureaux and Law Centres are in financial meltdown. Can anything be done ?
The_Times_29.04.08.doc
April 2008 Civil Legal Aid Contracts: The Next Five Years
The Legal Services Commission sets out a route map for the development of civil legal aid contracts for the next
five years.
Route_Map_Next_5_Years_04.08.pdf
April 2008 Community Justice - an LCF paper on Law Centre work in the community
The people who work and support Law Centres have at their core a dedication to improving the lives of local people. The law is a powerful tool for those who are marginalised and yet it often out of reach. Law Centres bring rights and justice to the people: they enable people to contribute equally to society and to live with dignity and hope.
Community_Justice_LCF_April_2008.doc
April 2008 Getting Past Reception
Getting Past Reception: Access and intake systems in Not for Profit legal services providers. Research by Mark Sefton published by the Advice Services Alliance in April 2008.
Getting_Past_Reception_ASA_April_2008.pdf
April 2008 Now, even the pro bono units can’t afford to stay open
The shake up in legal aid is having a devastating effect on Law Centres - hitting some of those most deserving of legal help by Frances Gibb, Legal Editor on the Times dated 17th April 2008.
The_Times_17.04.08.doc
