Chamber
Plenary, 22 Mar 2007
22 Mar 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Legal Aid (Civil Cases)
Justice and Law Officers
I make it clear that 60 per cent of all civil legal aid applicants are successful and that of those, three quarters make no contribution whatever.
There is a clear issue about value to the public purse and very significant amounts of money have already been committed. On the other side, there is also a commitment to access to justice. The member spoke about advice deserts. We are particularly mindful of the issues that are faced by women fleeing violence and have said that we wish to address them. Although a new funding review was agreed earlier in the year, as a consequence of some of the concerns about problems for people who wish to access justice, we have agreed to a full review of civil legal aid and financial eligibility. Such issues can be addressed properly as part of that review.
There is a clear issue about value to the public purse and very significant amounts of money have already been committed. On the other side, there is also a commitment to access to justice. The member spoke about advice deserts. We are particularly mindful of the issues that are faced by women fleeing violence and have said that we wish to address them. Although a new funding review was agreed earlier in the year, as a consequence of some of the concerns about problems for people who wish to access justice, we have agreed to a full review of civil legal aid and financial eligibility. Such issues can be addressed properly as part of that review.
In the same item of business
9. Rosie Kane (Glasgow) (SSP):
SSP
To ask the Scottish Executive how much legal aid has been provided to those pursuing civil cases in the last year. (S2O-12432)
The Deputy Minister for Justice (Johann Lamont):
Lab
In 2005-06, the cost of providing legal aid on matters of civil law was £50.3 million. That includes advice and assistance as well as civil legal aid. In 200...
Rosie Kane:
SSP
Is the minister concerned that many people who try to pursue civil cases under employment and family law or to tackle big business are unable to access due p...
Johann Lamont:
Lab
I make it clear that 60 per cent of all civil legal aid applicants are successful and that of those, three quarters make no contribution whatever.There is a ...
Phil Gallie (South of Scotland) (Con):
Con
Will the minister advise me what proportion of that £50-plus million has been paid under civil law for people who are incarcerated in Scottish prisons? If sh...
Johann Lamont:
Lab
I do not want to mislead the member. If my officials have those figures available, I will make sure that he receives them. We are clearly committed to a civi...