LITRG speaks out on free legal services

The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) has voiced its opinion on the Ministry of Justice's move to reform free legal advice services in England and Wales.

According to the organisation, people who claim low-income tax credits could be negatively impacted on if they do not have access to legal aid.

The organisation pointed out that there is only one mention of tax credits in the Ministry of Justice's consultation document concerning the reform of the system.

This is despite the document suggesting that the scope of legal aid should not include welfare benefits, such as tax credits, which will impact on people with low incomes who are seeking justice.

"We fear that lone parents and those with disabilities will be particularly affected by the removal of legal aid especially when coupled with other changes," the organisation said.

In addition, Tom Brake, co-chair of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs, Justice and Equalities, recently said that impact assessments must be conducted before the free legal advice system is altered to make sure that the "most vulnerable" can still access justice.

Published by Hannah Carr