Recommendation 10

We asked LAA and MoJ how they can be sure that people in areas without face-to face provision can access advice, and what they are doing to assist vulnerable people. This might include people with limited transportation means, those for whom English is a second language or those with a disability24. Child Poverty Action Group reported that their clients face barriers to completing the means test due to limited access to technology or low digital capabilities which is exacerbated when services are only provided remotely.25 LAA gave examples of specific engagement at courts which had no housing advice service to ensure that people were aware they could seek remote advice from other providers or 17 VMLA0002 18 VMLA0002 19 VMLA0002 20 C&AG’s Report, paras 2.18–2.19, Figure 8 21 VMLA0009 22 Q 49 23 Qq 9–10, 40 24 Qq 11, 45–47 25 VMLA0013 12 Value for Money from Legal Aid the telephone helpline.26 MoJ also explained that it was carrying out research into the impact of remote legal advice in police stations to better understand the groups for whom remote advice may or may not be appropriate.27 Accessing legal aid for immigration issues