South Manchester Law Centre takes Legal Services Commission to court

The Legal Services Commission is being challenged over its decision to cut funding for the South Manchester Law Centre and the case went to the High Court yesterday (November 8th).

As one of just two providers of specialist legal help on immigration issues in the city, it could claim the significant cuts will jeopardise human rights and prevent vulnerable individuals accessing legal advice.

Describing its work as "vital", the Morning Star reports reductions in the centre's funding and the legal aid budget mean it will no longer be able to operate.

However, the Legal Services Commission could find support from justice minister Jonathan Djanogly, who told the Westminster Legal Policy Forum: "I find that too often, in modern society, people are too willing to hand over to the state the resolution of their personal problems."

The specialist said legal advice should only be provided in serious cases where "personal liberty or security" are at risk.

Published by Jessica Shervin