Legal aid rates have not increased since 1996 – in effect a cut of 50%, writes Lubna Shuja of the Law Society
The failure of the qualified legal representative scheme to protect survivors of domestic abuse from being cross-examined by their alleged abuser is deeply concerning, but sadly no surprise (Scheme to stop people being quizzed by abuser in court failing, lawyers say, 16 July).
Our members working in the family courts tell us that the scheme is struggling to attract advocates because the fees paid are based on legal aid rates that have not increased since 1996. This represents a real-terms fee cut of 50%. Quite simply, those who are able to do this vital work cannot afford to undertake it.