'Breathing space' — 13% legal aid rise is lifeline for justice but more needed, say campaigners

A 13% bump in legal aid fees secured after a sustained campaign by the legal profession has been heralded a lifeline - but more has been called for.

Regulations were laid before Parliament on January 28 with an across-the-board increase to fees coming into effect from September. 

The Scottish Government has also provided further support for access to justice by committing £1.5 million over two years to support 40 new legal aid solicitor traineeships.
 
Momentum for legislative reforms also continues to build, alongside ongoing work from the Independent Fee Review Mechanism Group, which includes two Law Society representatives.
 
Law Society of Scotland President Patricia Thom said: “We have fought long and hard for this support for legal aid. This is a significant fee increase and a lifeline for access to justice in Scotland that will help stabilise the legal aid system while work on long-term reform continues.
 
“It has been widely acknowledged that inadequate fees are driving solicitors to stop taking on legal aid work. While it would be better if fees went up tomorrow, this announcement gives solicitors a reason to remain in the legal aid system.
 
“This increase for civil, criminal and children’s legal aid services gives much needed breathing space as we continue working with the Scottish Government to develop a regular fee review mechanism that will put access to justice on a sustainable footing.
 
“Just as important as retaining solicitors who are already carrying out legal aid work is the need to bring fresh talent into the sector. Scottish Government support for new traineeships has previously proven very effective, and we believe this new scheme will be similarly successful.”