The United Kingdom government has announced a landmark decision to inject an additional £20 million into civil legal aid funding, marking the first significant boost in nearly three decades.
In a move aimed at addressing long-standing funding issues, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is set to consult on raising legal aid fees for professionals handling housing, debt, immigration, and asylum cases. The proposed adjustments include increasing fees to approximately £65 per hour outside London and £69 per hour within the city, or offering a 10% uplift, whichever is greater. Fixed fees are also expected to rise in proportion to these changes. This financial enhancement will be rolled out over the financial years spanning 2025 to 2026, eventually scaling up to a total of £20 million by the 2027-28 period.
The last time civil legal aid fees saw an increase was in 1996, highlighting the pressing need for this development. The MoJ underscored that its decision is informed by evidence from the Review of Civil Legal Aid, which revealed intense pressures within the housing and immigration sectors.
This announcement comes as a precursor to Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood’s address at the Civil Justice Council National Forum on Access to Justice. It follows a previous commitment of £24 million to criminal legal aid, focusing on fees for police station and youth courts.
Lord Chancellor Mahmood emphasised the government’s resolve to revitalise the civil legal aid sector, pointing out that it had been neglected for years. She stated, “This is an important step as we rebuild our justice system, ensuring it is fit for purpose for the society it serves and those who serve within it.” Her comments echo the government’s broader objectives to enhance public service frameworks, especially within the justice system.
The Law Society has expressed a positive outlook regarding the funding boost but insists on additional investment across both civil and criminal legal aid. President Richard Atkinson commented, “The government now needs to restart the review of civil legal aid and provide a timetable for further investment, as well as steps to reduce the cost of delivering legal aid services.”
Research commissioned by the Law Society earlier this year indicated that all examined housing legal aid providers were operating at a loss. Furthermore, nearly half of the population in England and Wales reportedly lacks access to a local legal aid provider for housing advice.
This strategic financial allocation represents a vital step in fortifying the civil legal aid system in the UK. However, sustained efforts and additional investments are required to ensure long-term viability and improved access to justice across various regions.
