Review into Delivery of Legal Aid
The MoJ has announced today a review into the delivery of legal aid.
The review is to ensure that the £2.1 billion currently spent on legal aid every year is delivering best value for money, providing a healthy and sustainable future for social welfare law and effectively integrating the criminal defence service with the criminal justice system.
The government has invited Sir Ian Magee to conduct the review. He has been asked to assess the delivery and governance arrangements of the legal aid system and make recommendations to:
1. explore the separation of the Criminal Defence Service (CDS) and Community Legal Service (CLS) and options for doing so effectively and efficiently should that be the recommended way forward
2. provide for effective and transparent financial management of both funds and their administration
3. provide for effective ministerial accountability and policy direction in respect of both the CDS and CLS, whilst continuing to ensure that every application to the CLS and CDS funds are decided fairly, within the criteria, at arm's length from government
4. Identify appropriate delivery models for both the CDS and CLS and their relationship with the ministry.
Sir Ian Magee has said that he will be consulting with the judiciary, the legal profession and relevant public bodies who play a part in the delivery of legal aid.
Individuals and organisations interested in providing input into the Magee Review can do so via email to mageereview@justice.gsi.gov.uk
Sir Ian Magee will report back to the government in January 2010. For further information, please visit the MoJ's website or click here.
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