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LAG calling for the MoJ and the LAA to step up to the plate
From Carol Storer, interim director of LAG:
The legal aid sector is struggling already. Many organisations, whether private practice or not-for-profit, do not have much in reserve. They need to protect their staff. The nature of client interaction will change. Work will drop off. Income will be erratic. The self-employed bar and advocates, consultants, police station reps – all will see a drop in income. What will be done to help these organisations survive? How will the self-employed cope?
The government has a difficult job to do. It has to balance saving lives in the pandemic and trying to stop the economy crashing even more. Saving the justice system is only part of the bigger picture, but prisons, courts and the legal aid system are already stressed after years of austerity. The government needs to listen to experts and give clear guidance. The MoJ and the Legal Aid Agency need to be flexible and imaginative in what they do and to act urgently.