§ 34. Ms Sally Keeble (Northampton, North)What provision will be made within the community legal service to ensure that people with learning difficulties and mental health problems attain proper access to legal services. [104962]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (Mr. David Lock)The quality assurance standard developed for community legal service providers requires proper access for all clients, including people with learning difficulties and mental health problems. All providers will also have to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
§ Ms KeebleIs my hon. Friend aware that, on a number of occasions, the Northampton branch of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship have raised the problems that people experience in gaining access to legal services if they have recurring mental health problems? Does his answer—which I welcome—mean that such people will have easy access to services, and will also be able to obtain the detailed help that they may need because their problems have made their cases more complicated?
§ Mr. LockMy hon. Friend has been diligent in raising issues affecting an important section of the community in her constituency—people with mental health problems—who need legal advice. There are now two firms of solicitors in the Northampton area with mental health contracts—quality-assured lawyers, who can provide services for such people.
It is important for every firm involved in the community legal service—whether it is dealing with employment, debt or mental health law—to recognise the special requirements of people with learning difficulties, respond to them and comply fully with its obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.