LIB DEMS WELCOME LEGAL AID CAMPAIGN BACKING (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

LIB DEMS WELCOME LEGAL AID CAMPAIGN BACKING

March 28, 2007 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrats on Southwark council have welcomed the support given by the Council Assembly for a motion calling on the Labour Government to drop its plans to introduce a fixed fee system for legal aid cases.

Legal aid providers in Southwark have already raised concerns that the new system could lead to a drop in the number of firms carrying out legal aid work which could lead to many people being denied access to legal help and justice. A deputation from Southwark Law Centre appeared before councillors tonight to explain how the proposed changes would affect local people.

Particular concerns have been raised about the potential impact on Black and Minority Ethnic communities as many BME led firms have raised concerns that they be forced out of the market or to merge, breaking the important link to the communities they currently serve.

Councillor Paul Noblet, who proposed the motion, commented:

"The legal aid system does need reform, but the Labour government's proposals risk depriving Southwark residents of access to legal representation. It is particularly worrying that these proposals could hit BME communities hardest.

"A fixed fees system takes no account of the need in a borough like Southwark to offer additional services for people for whom English is a second language or to prepare specialised or complicated cases."

Cllr Mackie Sheik, who seconded the motion, said:

"The presence of legal aid firms from different backgrounds adds value to community cohesion in Southwark. They also provide role models for young people rowing up in this area. We know that the problem of violent crime in Southwark can be partially attributed to the lack of such role models."

"One estimate of the effect of the changes which will start to take place next week is that up to 70% of the small BME firms in Southwark may leave the legal aid system. The people least able to protest are the once who are going to bear the brunt of this legal aid cut."