Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 32
32
Paragraph: 118
We recognise the strength of Richard Miller’s suggestion that judges should be empowered to make...
Conclusion
We recognise the strength of Richard Miller’s suggestion that judges should be empowered to make a direction that an individual needs representation and that it should be binding on the Legal Aid Agency to provide exceptional case funding in that case. Such an approach could increase access to justice for the most vulnerable litigants and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of court proceedings.
Paragraph Reference:
118
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The ECF scheme remains a vital safety net to ensure legal aid is available where there is a risk of a breach of an individual’s rights under the ECHR. We are already working to make changes, including bringing forward improved guidance, to ensure the scheme works as effectively as possible for applicants. The LAA play a vital and independent role in taking ECF decisions completely free from outside influence and we do not believe that this position should change.