Warwick Branch Labour Party met this evening, where we discussed the proposed changes to the Legal Aid system, following a very informative and interesting speech from Catherine Stephens, a local solicitor. She outlined how the proposed cuts will go to the heart of a fair and just society, and create a situation where only those with the ability to pay will have access to justice.
The right to legal representation is a fundamental principle of a civilised society and is a cornerstone of our way of life. Legal Aid was established in 1949 following with progressive legislation around access to health care and education, regardless of means.
If these proposals are implemented, individuals will no longer be able to access legal aid for help in cases relating to debt, employment, housing and clinical negligence, which has a far-reaching impact on the most vulnerable in society. Legal Aid will be removed from big chunks of family law, such as divorce and private children act applications. Additionally, eligibility for legal aid will be tightened, meaning that far fewer people will find themselves eligible.
Disproportionately, women and children will bear the the brunt of these cuts, which is becoming a hallmark of the coalition government. So why, then, are we not hearing more about these cuts? Perhaps it is because we don't know how important Legal Aid is until we need it: when we are at our most vulnerable and in need of help and advice.
The Government, as always, expects the Big Society to pick up the pieces, but I cannot see how this woolly concept can provide an effective infrastructure to meet the needs of people seeking resolution to their problems. Alternative sources of advice, such as the CAB, will be dramatically hit by the cuts and so we can see avenues of help and support disappearing, and individuals left floundering and silenced.
If you don't think this affects you, you are wrong. It affects us all. Are you employed? Many people fight unfair dismissal cases with the support of Legal Aid. With these cuts, there'll be nothing you can do to challenge unfair dismissal unless you can afford to pay a solicitor, and of course, if you've just lost your job this may well be unlikely. Are you married? Got children? There'll be no more legal aid for family matters like divorce, custody and access.
Everyone should have access to justice. Legal Aid is an integral part of a fair and just society, which is threatened by these cuts. What can you do? Make your voice heard. Write to your MP, your local paper, tweet and make others aware. Sound off For Justice have a petition, a blog and more information about this threat. Locally, we'll be campaigning against these cuts and if you'd like to join us, contact me for more information.
