Published: 27th July 2021 A report released today on the future of legal aid by the Justice Committee includes PLP’s recommendations on how the current provision of legal aid can and should be urgently improved. Read our written evidence and recommendations to the Justice Select Committee The report calls for an overhaul of the current system designed around the needs of those who use it, with a greater number of providers able to access the necessary funding that would ensure consistent access to legal aid lawyers for those who need legal assistance. PLP supports the overall report findings and urges the Government to respond in the interests of ensuring access to legal aid as a key component of the constitutional right of access to justice. We’re encouraged to see the inclusion of our key recommendations to the Committee, which state that; means testing for legal aid should be simplified and reviewed on an annual basis the Exceptional Case Funding scheme be improved so that those without sufficient financial means are on equal terms with those that can afford representation the Legal Aid Agency should reduce the financial risks that providers are subjected to.