Proposed cuts to Legal Aid could mean the end of free independent advice services in Cardiff, a group of charities and voluntary sector organisations has warned.
Legal Aid provides almost a million pounds of funding to deal with up to 4,000 cases a year in Cardiff. Advice is delivered on a not-for-profit basis by a consortium including Cardiff CAB, Cardiff Law Centre, Riverside Advice and Shelter Cymru.
However, under the UK government’s proposed reforms, from 2012, Legal Aid would be removed completely for welfare benefits and for debt and housing advice, except if your home is at ‘immediate risk’.
The group is now urging the public to make a last-ditch effort to support the fight against the cuts and make their concerns known by writing to the Justice Minister, lobbying their MPs or by responding to the UK government’s consultation paper on the changes, which closes at noon on Monday 14 February.
Barbara Kerridge of Riverside Advice said: “If the plans are implemented as they stand, they will have a devastating impact on many people, including some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society.
“Most, if not all, of specialist welfare rights Legal Aid funded work carried out by advice services such as the Cardiff CABx, Cardiff Law Centres, Shelter Cymru, Riverside Advice and Speakeasy Advice may have to stop entirely.
“The UK Justice Minister has said legal aid should be available for ‘serious issues’, but that is precisely what advice services are dealing with at the moment. In addition, to receive Legal Aid, people are required to have an income of or below ‘Income Support’ level, so this will take away services from those who are already in poverty.”
Andrew Jones, Shelter Cymru’s south Wales regional services manager, said: “These proposals would mean people couldn’t get help until they were at crisis point. However, we know from many years of experience that it is better, cheaper and more effective to deal with problems as early as possible.
“Welfare benefits are very complicated area of law and are constantly changing. Without specialist advice, it can be extremely difficult for people to understand their rights and what they are required to do.
“Very often the DWP makes wrong decisions on welfare benefits, particularly where vulnerable people, such as those with mental health issues, are concerned and this can have serious implications for their ability to manage their lives. Independent advice is essential in ensuring that people get the help and support that they need and to which they are entitled.”
Everyone who supports keeping Legal Aid funding for Welfare Benefits, Debt and Housing Advice should send or e-mail a letter to:
Legal Aid Reform Team
Ministry of Justice
102 Petty France
Post Point 4.42
London SW1H 9AJ
Contact [email protected] for more help
The full Green Paper consultation document can be viewed at www.justice.gov..uk/consultation/legal-aid-reform-151110.htm
People can also sign the national electronic petition for the Justice for All Campaign, led by MP Yvonne Fovargue. To do this, and for more information, visit: http://www.justice-for-all.org.uk/Take-part/Love-legal-aid
