Legal services 'seriously affected' by changes in the justice system

Access to legal services is to be "seriously affected" by cutbacks in the justice system, according to one observer.

Important legal services such as free aid for those who cannot afford a solicitor may be altered, as the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) announced recently it is to cut almost one-third (£2 billion) from its annual budget.

The Guardian reports a survey of family lawyers shows 'the overwhelming majority' believe access to assistance will be reduced most for vulnerable individuals, such as those suffering domestic abuse or forced marriage.

Legal advice may be affected, according to the professionals, as the new system - which sees practitioners bid to continue receiving funding for their work - meant many counsel-givers missed out on financial backing from the government.

Director-general of finance for the MoJ described the scale of cuts as "extremely challenging", with administrative costs thought to be reduced by around a third.