§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what consultations he has undertaken on(a) placing duties on local government to participate in Community Legal Service (CLS) Partnerships and (b) including CLS coverage in local authority strategic plans. [174957]
§ Mr LammyRecommendations from the Independent Review of the Community Legal Service (CLS), published on 28 April 2004, suggest changes to CLS Partnerships. CLS Partnerships have enjoyed considerable support from Local Authorities since they were set up in 2000. My Department is currently seeking views on the Review's recommendations, as part of a process of consultation. We will be considering the best way in which to build on the success of the CLS in the light of the Review's recommendations and the comments we receive. Any suggestions for a change in the interaction between Local Authorities and CLS Partnerships will be considered as part of this process.
§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what proposals he has to tackle, through the Community Legal Service, the unmet need and unresolved legal problems amongst low income, vulnerable and socially excluded groups. [174958]
§ Mr. LammyThe Community Legal Service (CLS) has already demonstrated that the law assists in tackling social exclusion, particularly in conjunction with other1784W Government programmes (e.g. Jobcentre Plus and the Connexions service). Further details of the achievements of the CLS in this area can be found in my evidence, and that of the Legal Services Commission, to the recent enquiry of the Constitutional Affairs Committee on Access to Legal Aid. My Department is currently seeking views on the recommendations of the Independent Review of the CLS, published on 28 April 2004, as part of a process of consultation. We will be considering the best way in which to build on the success of the CLS in the light of the Review's recommendations and the comments we receive.