Government Contracts Reverse Downward Trend in Criminal Legal Aid Providers, But Numbers Fall Again
Government figures reveal that new government contracts initially reversed a downward trend in the number of providers doing criminal legal aid work, but numbers have started to fall again, according to correspondence published by the House of Commons justice select committee.
In April 2021, there were 1,090 providers, which gradually dropped to 1,039 by September 2022. However, when the new contracts came into force in October 2022, the number rose to 1,141. Unfortunately, the number fell the following month and stood at 1,127 in January 2023.
Similarly, the number of offices also saw a similar pattern. There were 1,589 offices in April 2021, which decreased to 1,499 by September 2022. When the new contracts began in October 2022, the number of offices increased to 1,774. However, it fell again the following month and stood at 1,700 in January 2023.
Duty solicitor data showed a similar trend, with 4,446 duty solicitors in April 2021, decreasing to 3,813 in October 2022 when the new contracts came into force. However, the number climbed back up to 4,023 in January 2023.
Justice minister Mike Freer had previously told the committee that the new contracts had brought stability and sustainability back into the system. He refuted the Law Society’s concerns about a downward spiral in numbers, stating that early indications suggested positive outcomes from the new contracts.
Despite the initial increase in providers and duty solicitors following the new contracts, the recent figures indicate a decline once again. The letter also highlighted areas where there were fewer than four duty solicitors, raising concerns about access to legal aid in those regions.
The committee will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that individuals have access to legal representation when needed.