Brighton MP warns Minister on legal aid

The Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Legal Services Commission are consulting on a new fee structure for solicitors doing legal aid work.

Following a meeting with members of Sussex Law Society and representations from Brighton Housing Trust and the Citizens Advice Bureau, David Lepper, Brighton Pavilion Labour and Co-operative MP, has written to the Minister for Constitutional Affairs, Vera Baird, letting her know about their fears that the proposed new way of paying solicitors doing legal aid work will mean a drastic cut in the number of lawyers helping people with immigration, employment law and family law cases.

David Lepper also heard of further concerns that the proposals could mean fewer duty solicitors available in criminal law cases.

David says:

"The government is right to tackle the increased costs of legal aid to the taxpayer and to ensure that solicitors are not over-charging. But in view of what I have heard from local solicitors I want to make sure that any changes do not hit those people most in need of legal representation."