Law services reform 'will create legal deserts'

Reforms to law services in Britain will create "legal deserts", according to an accusation heard in the High Court yesterday (September 27th).

The Law Society is challenging the Legal Services Commission over cuts to aid, which it claims will leave large areas of the country without sufficient access to free assistance from a qualified solicitor.

Journallive.co.uk reveals Northumberland will be among those with a dearth of state-funded practitioners, with Berwick home to a part-time professional working one afternoon a week, while Houghton-le-Spring is set to lose all individuals currently offering the service.

Appearing on behalf of the Law Society, Dinah Rose QC argued: "There are now many areas where people in desperate need will have to travel 40 miles or more in order to see a solicitor with their family legal aid problem."

Last week the hearing was delayed after it was ruled two judges should sit on the case in a Divisional Court, Family Law Week reported.