Legal aid means test threshold doesn't take into account rising cost of living
The Gazette and Business Mayor cover a report we commissioned from Professor Donald Hirsch at the University of Loughborough, which reveals proposed thresholds to determine legal aid eligibility will not keep pace with the rapidly rising cost of living.
In addition, the way families' financial needs are calculated would result in single parent families being disadvantaged.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "Single parent families will be disadvantaged compared with other types of households because proposed changes fail to recognise one-parent families must budget a higher proportion of their income to pay for their children's needs relative to two-parent families.
"Lone parents also commonly need legal help for family cases and rarely have income high enough to afford it without legal aid – this includes survivors of abuse seeking protection for themselves and their children."
Little action on crime
Chair of our criminal law committee Stuart Nolan spoke to Times Radio (from 24:11) after the BBC reported that police are taking longer to attend serious offences and charging fewer suspects.
The number of recorded crimes leading to a charge or court summons has also decreased and some victims wait years for their case to be heard due to the courts backlog.
Read our latest press release on the backlog
Evidence lacking for new SRA health and wellbeing rules
Solicitors Journal and Gazette Ireland report on the Law Society's critique of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) proposed changes to its health and wellbeing rules.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: "Existing SRA principles cover solicitors' duty to act with integrity, uphold public confidence in the profession and encourage equality, diversity and inclusion. We do not believe the SRA has provided sufficient evidence to justify the introduction of additional regulatory requirements."
Parking Rules
The Daily Express and Auto Moto Buzz feature guidance from Gary Rycroft, a member of our council membership committee, on what to do if someone parks in your driveway. Gary discussed the matter on Rip Off Britain.
Also worth a read:
- Legal aid action could escalate in three weeks' time – Gazette
- Rape victims should not be treated as suspects, says data watchdog – BBC
- Windrush pro bono scheme relaunched to reach more victims – Gazette
- Fewer than a quarter of burnt-out lawyers feel supported by their firm – Legal Cheek