Justice Committee launches inquiry into future of legal aid in light of concerns about pressures on system during coronavirus pandemic

MPs seek evidence on issues including impact of pandemic and increasing reliance on digital technology to deliver legal advice and court services

The Justice Committee has launched an inquiry into the future of legal aid in light of concerns raised about pressures on the system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Introducing the inquiry, the Committee says that it has heard about difficulties with obtaining legal aid assistance in some parts of the country - and from lawyers about the financial problems raised by current fees and reduced work - and that, as a result, it is especially keen to hear about -

• the sustainability of the legal aid market;
• the impact of COVID-19; and
• the increasing reliance on digital technology to deliver legal advice and court services.

NB - the deadline for submissions to the inquiry is Monday 19 October 2020.

For more information, see Committee launch future of legal aid inquiry from parliament.uk