News

Publicly-funded legal and advice services have the potential to regenerate communities and combat social exclusion, according to a report from the Department of Constitutional Affairs, writes Craig Kenny.

The report examines the work of the Community Legal Service (CLS), which four years ago replaced the civil legal aid scheme with a system of contracts with solicitors and non-profit making organisations.

“The CLS is a key element in combating social exclusion and promoting the regeneration of deprived areas,” the report concludes.

However, an independent review of the CLS, published last month, found: “The case for the CLS tackling social exclusion has not been made conclusively.”

It called for more evaluation of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CLS services and for a greater emphasis on outcomes for those seeking help. The review found serious gaps in provision across the country, and an 18 per cent reduction in CLS contracts, mostly due to solicitors dropping out of legal aid work. The largest gaps had opened in advice services on benefits, debt and housing.


The review also proposed the statutory funding by local authorities of Community Legal Service Partnerships, which guide the CLS locally. In addition, it suggested piloting a scheme based on salaried solicitors – with similar contracts to GPs – and an NHS Direct-style advice line to triage calls.