Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Paragraph: 21
It is important that the legal professions properly represent the society they serve, not least...
Recommendation
It is important that the legal professions properly represent the society they serve, not least because they form a large part of the pool from which the Judiciary is drawn. The MOJ should set out what it will do to make sure that coronavirus restrictions on the justice system do not disproportionately affect the incomes of Black, Asian and minority ethnic or state-educated legal professionals, nor reduce their ability or desire to enter and work in the courts and tribunals system.
Paragraph Reference:
21
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
• The Government has carefully considered the Law Society’s proposals. However providers of Legal Aid are affected differently according to their business model. The Standard Monthly Payment (SMP) is utilised only by a small proportion of providers and represents only a proportion of typical revenue of an individual organisation. Accordingly, SMP as a means of contractual relief would give an inconsistent application of support to a limited number of providers that may bear no relation to the overall financial circumstances of the organisation in question. • However, providers should continue to talk to Legal Aid Agency contract managers about their individual circumstances. • We are continuing to monitor the financial health and sustainability of the legal aid sector, and will consider appropriate means of support as necessary.