§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if additional resources will accompany reform of the legal aid system to assist those who cannot afford basic legal services. [62910]
§ Mr. HoonWe will be spending £248 million more on legal aid over the next three years than the previous Government intended. In addition, we will refocus those resources on areas of greatest need, such as social welfare and public interest work, and will achieve the maximum value for the resources available. Removing legal aid where a suitable alternative exists, and the greater control of cost that the reforms will bring, will enable us to devote more funds to these areas. As a first step, the Lord Chancellor recently announced the allocation of a minimum of £20m for the expansion of advice and assistance services provided by the not-for-profit sector. In addition, more people in future will be able to get advice and assistance, by allowing in people who can afford to pay a contribution but who are entirely excluded now on financial grounds. The extension in July of conditional fee agreements to all civil cases will also greatly improve access to justice for people who cannot themselves afford legal help and do not qualify for legal aid.