"Drastic" legal services cuts biggest in 60 years

Legal services could be affected by the most severe cuts to the free aid system in the 60 years since its creation, following government plans unveiled yesterday (November 15th).

An overhaul of the scheme that previously offered support at no charge to individuals in cases such as divorce will make it much harder to obtain legal services, with only those families where domestic abuse or forced marriages are an issue qualifying for legal help.

Those previously able to find a solicitor are likely to have more difficulty in doing so, with the Guardian reporting individuals in need of lawyers' support with problems such as housing will also find provision cut or scrapped.

Critics say reducing legal help will affect vulnerable members of society, with Richard Hawkes, chief executive of disability charity Scope, stating: "The courts have traditionally been the last line of defence against poor, unfair and unlawful decisions."

Desmond Hudson, chief executive of the Law Society, warned access to justice could be damaged by the proposals.

Published by Jessica Shervin