Policy
19 October, 2007
LSC announce commissioning of extra cases of civil legal aid
75,000 extra cases this year
The Legal Services Commission (LSC) announced this week that up to 75,000 extra cases of civil legal aid can be commissioned this year. These cases are in addition to those budgeted for at the start of the financial year.
Commenting on the announcement, Caroline Regan, Chief Executive of the LSC said -
'In particular we will commission to ensure that legal aid is available in geographical areas and categories of law where it is most needed and can make the most difference to people's lives.
Many people experience multiple problems. We want to commission services that deliver integrated services to address these problems, minimising the need for referrals.
This push for integrated civil legal and advice services complements and mirrors our plans to create Community Legal Advice centres and networks that offer holistic and joined up delivery of legal aid.'
Tenders will be offered in specific areas across England and Wales where the LSC want to build supply. They are also looking to expand supply of services in the following areas of law:
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specialist advice in public law categories of childcare
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domestic violence, within general family advice services
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general family advice services, especially services which offer advice in 3 categories of social welfare law; which are community care, debt, employment, housing and welfare benefits
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integrated social welfare law services
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mental health advice services
For more information, see the LSC press release 75,000 extra cases of civil legal aid.
