Wednesday, 5 June 2013

Legal aid reform will harm poorer Londoners: Elaine Needham, Tottenham, London

Tottenham-based solicitor Elaine Needham says the government's legal aid reforms will harm poorer Londoners, writes Paul Coleman.
Cuts to legal aid are already affecting poorer Londoners, says Needham. Furthermore, government reforms will make it much harder for people with mental health problems and drug addictions to secure good quality legal representation.

Tendering 
Justice Minister Chris Grayling disputes the claim that competitive tendering amongst law firms for a reduced number of legal aid contracts will harm people on average and lower incomes. Grayling says reforms will save taxpayers' money and professional qualified lawyers will still be available.
Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2013/jun/04/legal-aid-reform-offices-closing

Paul Coleman, London Intelligence, June 2013

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