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Legal aid focus

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The proper funding of our justice system, so neglected by recent governments, is a vital issue for our society and it demands urgent action, says Geoffrey Bindman KC
The government has extended legal aid in private and public family law cases, and changed the evidential requirements for domestic abuse.
The Law Society applied to the High Court last week for permission to bring a judicial review of the government’s implementation of Sir Christopher Bellamy’s recommendations following his Independent Review of Criminal Legal Aid.
The Law Society of England and Wales has applied to the High Court for permission to challenge the government’s decision not to increase criminal defence solicitors’ legal aid rates by the recommended minimum 15% as it is unlawful, irrational, and has affected access to justice.
Means-testing for legal aid has been removed for foster parents and approved prospective adoptive parents bringing special educational needs and disability (SEND) appeals. 
The Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) has responded to the Tribunal Procedure Committee consultation on possible changes to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules and the Upper Tribunal Rules arising from the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (NBA 2022). 
The number of crown court cases waiting for trial for two years or more has reached a record high, official figures show.
The good news is the government has announced a civil legal aid review. The bad news is it won’t report until 2024.
Far from a bold initiative, the announcement of a distant & unfunded review of civil legal aid is an abdication of government responsibility, says Roger Smith
Members of the public across the three main parties support legal aid, research has shown.
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NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

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