§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans the Lord Chancellor has to encourage innovation in Community Legal Service Partnership areas. [144040]
§ Mr. LockIn view of the success achieved in developing Community Legal Service Partnerships, the Lord Chancellor has decided to make additional funds available, within the Legal Services Commission's budget, to support innovative initiatives at local level. £.15 million over the next three years will be earmarked for a Partnership Innovation Budget. Grants from the Budget will be available, on a joint funding basis, for projects which have the support of their local Community Legal Service Partnership. My Department is today issuing a consultation paper which will enable us to take account of the views of funders and providers of local legal services in finalising the details of the budget.