Legal Aid Cuts: A Statement.

Lincoln House Chambers has, since its foundation, been committed to its philosophy that legal aid and fair access to justice are absolute fundamentals of a modern democratic state. Members of chambers have been at the forefront of the battle to oppose cuts in legal aid. We have made it very clear that, despite the readiness of various solicitors to enter into the new, and deeply flawed, dual contracts, we view them as entirely inimical to the interests of justice and the public interest.

We have recently received correspondence from solicitors seeking clarification of our approach to cases where the legal aid certificates are dated 1st July onwards.

Alistair Webster QC has issued the following statement on behalf of chambers.

“ The approach of the last two governments to legal aid and to the profession has been a mixture of incompetence and bad faith.  In my view, the dual contracts are nothing more than a continuation of a failed policy.  Combined with the further proposed cuts to litigators’ rates, they represent a reckless leap in the dark which no competent government would contemplate.

As a set of chambers committed to the principle of equal access to justice, we share completely the concerns of those solicitors who intend to refuse work at the new rates.  There is no question of LHC barristers opting to accept work which has been refused by solicitors upon the basis that they are under the new, reduced, rates. We support the action which has been taken and have no intention of undermining it.

We support the CBA in seeking a ballot of its members. In the meantime, I have called a chambers meeting for Friday at which we will further debate developments. We will act in good faith and in the interests of our clients and the administration of justice. ”