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Legal Aid Secures Major Investment Boost
On 29 November 2024, the UK government announced a landmark £20 million annual investment to increase civil legal aid fees for housing and immigration cases. This marks the first significant rise since 1996, addressing decades of underfunding that have left vulnerable individuals struggling to access justice.
The Ministry of Justice plans to consult on these changes in January 2025, aiming to increase fees to approximately £65 per hour for non-London cases and £69 per hour for London cases, or provide a 10% uplift, whichever is higher. Fixed fees will also be uplifted proportionally.
Barristers campaigning against legal aid cuts © PA Images/Alamy
The Law Society has welcomed the recent increase in funding for legal aid, recognising it as a positive step towards addressing the chronic underfunding of the sector. However, the organisation emphasised that this is only a partial solution and called for further investment to ensure comprehensive access to justice. Many areas of legal support remain underfunded, leaving vulnerable individuals without the resources they need to navigate complex legal systems. To fully realise the potential of this funding, the Law Society insists that a more robust, sector-wide financial commitment is required, encompassing all aspects of legal aid services.
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This new investment reflects a broader effort to enhance accessibility within the legal profession, especially for those who face financial, structural, or systemic barriers to justice. As part of these reforms, initiatives are being developed to provide marginalised groups with better access to legal services and resources. This push is not limited to end-user benefits but extends to diversifying pathways into the legal profession itself. Programs aimed at reducing barriers to legal education and training are being implemented, helping to create a profession that is more representative of the communities it serves. Such efforts are integral to ensuring that the legal field evolves into a more inclusive and equitable space for practitioners and clients alike.
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Addressing the long-standing issue of underfunding in the legal aid sector is central to these reforms. For years, gaps in funding have left vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals and those facing housing insecurity, without adequate legal representation. This initiative seeks to reverse this trend by ensuring that legal aid organisations have the resources necessary to meet growing demand. Beyond immediate relief, this funding reinforces the principle of equal access to justice, aiming to create a society where no one is excluded from legal protection due to their financial circumstances. By prioritising these reforms, the government and stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to making the justice system fair and accessible for all.​
​Lord Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood MP arrives in procession at the Royal Courts of Justice © Michael Cross
