Proposals to reduce spending on civil legal aid

The proposals are set out in the consultation document ‘Reform of publicly funded legal representation in the Civil and Family Courts’, which marks the first step in a series of planned reforms to civil legal aid.

The proposals seek to regulate the circumstances in which junior counsel in Family Proceedings Courts and senior counsel in the higher courts are assigned, to ensure appropriate, but cost-effective, levels of representation at all levels.

David Ford said: “On the devolution of justice I inherited a very difficult financial situation on legal aid. I therefore set about a programme of fundamentally reforming the legal aid system in Northern Ireland so that in future, publicly funded legal services can be delivered within budget.

“As part of my reform agenda I have already taken action on criminal legal aid which has resulted in a reduction in annual expenditure of approximately £12 million since devolution. It is now right that I consider changes to civil legal aid.

“The first step in reforming civil legal aid is the level of representation in civil and family courts. The proposals I’ve published for consultation today could potentially save £2.8 - £4.2 million annually.”

Whilst the proposals will help reduce spending on civil legal aid the Minister underlined the importance of access to justice for those who require representation and assistance with legal issues.

He said: “I want to make clear, the options contained within this consultation paper continue to allow for proper and proportionate representation.

“And whilst the changes will drive down legal aid costs, I am committed to protecting the principle that people should have access to justice and assistance with their legal problems.

“The current level of expenditure on civil legal aid is no longer sustainable or justifiable. This consultation commences a series of reforms to publicly funded civil legal aid which I will deliver over the coming years to ensure that those who can pay for their own representation do, and those that cannot afford to are proportionately represented at an appropriate cost.”

The consultation period closes on 8 March 2013.