Policy
14 March, 2006
'Major flaws' in LSC approach to policy making
Constitutional Affairs Committee recommends reconsideration of decision to end Specialist Support
The Legal Services Commission (LSC) should reconsider its decision to cease providing Specialist Support Services, according to a report published today by the Constitutional Affairs Committee. Noting that the decision to cease funding for the services was based on a flawed consultation process, the report raises concerns about contracted firms only being given six month notice regards contract termination. It is noted that it is impossible for firms to conduct proper business planning if the LSC constantly tinkers with budgets and cuts services.
The Committee considered oral evidence from Brian Harvey, Acting Chief Executive of the LSC, and Crispin Passmore, Director of Community Legal Service, on 14 February 2006. The oral evidence session followed a decision by the LSC to end Specialist Support Services early, with contracted suppliers being given six months notice of termination of contract. The Committee also received written evidence from a number of suppliers, including LASA, CPAG, Shelter, Legal Aid Practitioners Group and Citizens Advice.
The Committee state that they do not accept that CLS Direct is an adequate alternative to specialist support services. Indeed, they accept that CLS Direct advisers actually use the specialist support themselves. They note that peer review of the quality of advice does not guarantee a client's ability to act upon that advice. They also raise concerns about the CLS Direct advertising budget and note, with anxiety, that the phone number is not a free one but is charged at a local charge rate.
In closing, the Committee note that the LSC believes that money saved can be more usefully spent providing advice directly to consumers. The Committee state that they do not accept that this is a suitable approach for complex areas of law involving potentially vulnerable people. They recommend the decision to cut services is reconsidered.
For a copy of the report, see the Parliamentary website Constitutional Affairs Fourth Report
See also the related rightsnet policy news stories -- Specialist Support evidence published (22 February 2006)
- Constitutional Affairs Select Committee to scrutinise end of funding for specialist support services (13 February, 2006)
- An astonishing and disappointing decision of great significance to the most vulnerable people in society: Parliamentary debate on the LSCs termination of Specialist Support funding (03 February, 2006)
- MPs urged to attend parliamentary debate on termination of Specialist Support Service contracts (31 January, 2006)
- Specialist Support Service fight back: Questions in Parliament (30 January, 2006)
- Specialist Support Service contracts to end early: Legal Services Commission announce termination (17 January, 2006)
