A recent Ipsos MORI report, on behalf of the Law Society , provides another strong indication that the Governments programme of cost cutting in the area of Legal Aid over the past few years has overall been a false economy.
Legal Aid is a long established and important system that provides assistance to individuals and claimants that enables them to access the UK Court system. It has always been a vital component in ensuring that all members of society, no matter what their financial means, have access to justice should they need to bring a legal action or make a claim. Legal Aid has long since been unavailable for the vast majority of personal injury claims, apart from some very specific clinical and medical negligence claim types.
The survey indicates a link between that the huge reduction in the availability of legal aid and a subsequent delay in individuals obtaining legal advice at an early stage, with a lack of such early advice resulting in significant delays (up to 3 times longer) in cases being resolved.The Law Society highlighted the need for legal aid in housing and family cases. In particular, in housing and tenancy related claims, lack of early advice – in addition to financial problems – can result in worse symptoms such as ill health due to mould, damp and other related conditions.
Need advice on making a claim? The friendly team here at The Accident Claimline will be happy to give you easy to understand and free assistance. To find out more, please contact us here or call 0800 977 4852