The Government is spending £1 billion to modernise courts and tribunals in England and Wales to allow a greater degree of technological innovation. In terms of court fees, it is right that those using the system should pay more to relieve this burden. However, the most vulnerable are being protected by waivers for those who cannot afford to pay fees. Following the Supreme Courts recent judgement immediate steps will be taken to stop charging fees in employment tribunals and arrangements put in place to refund those who have paid.
The Bach Commission also considered access to legal aid. Britain has a world-leading legal system. Last year, more than £1.5bn was spent on legal aid, but the Government must ensure the scheme is sustainable and fair for those who need it as well as the taxpayer who pays for it. While there have been changes to the scheme, a great deal of money is still being spent on legal aid. Funds are being concentrated on matters of most importance to individuals—for example, when a home is a risk, where someone’s livelihood is at risk because of the threat of imprisonment in a criminal case, or where someone might lose their children in a care case involving domestic violence.
The Government has committed to carrying out a post-implementation review of the civil legal aid changes. An announcement on this will be made in due course.