On the 15th November 2010 the Ministry of Justice published a Consultation on proposed reforms of the legal aid scheme. The Green Paper can be viewed here.
This has far reaching implications for all areas of law including immigration and asylum. The Refugee Council will be sending in a full response to the consultation by the deadline of 14th February 2011.
In the meantime we have published this briefing which highlights concerns that we have in particular about the proposed loss of legal aid for asylum support matters, for refugee family reunion and the proposal to have a single gateway to access legal aid through a telephone helpline.
It is important that the government hears from as many people and organisations that will be affected as possible. You do not have to follow the consultation format necessarily – even a simple letter explaining how help from a solicitor has affected the outcome of your case or concerns about having to do this over the telephone – would be worth sending in.
If you wish to do so please contact Richard Lumley at:
richard.lumley@refugeecouncil.org.uk
Tel: 020 7346 1169
Or Carolina Albuerne (Wednesdays only) at:
carolina.albuerne@refugeecouncil.org.uk
Tel: 020 7346 6773
