Heather Kidd, Parliamentary Spokesman for Ludlow and campaigner for Legal Aid, recently joined the Campaign for ‘Justice for All’.
“There is great concern that the cuts in the Legal Aid budget will, if implemented, exclude many of the most vulnerable from access to justice. The CAB has a particular concern about the future of advice on complex debt, welfare benefits and employment cases. I must say that I think they are right. These are all things affecting ordinary people across South Shropshire.” She continued.
“I know our local CAB has real concerns and that the Domestic Violence Refuge here in South Shropshire will find this particularly difficult. Women fleeing violence frequently need legal support and have few resources to pay for it.”
On 15th November the review of Legal Aid was published by the Ministry of Justice. This is a new threat to Legal Aid. The consultation paper ‘Proposals for the Reform of Legal Aid in England and Wales’ outlines plans to change the Legal Aid system significantly, and projects a cut of £350 million from the budget in doing so.
Organisations as diverse as Mind, National Aids Trust, Unite and Kids Company have joined Justice for All so far, as well as other charities offering legal help like Law Centres Federation, Advice UK and Legal Aid Practitioners Group and many individuals.
“Many people have already joined the campaign, but if you haven’t yet, join now at: www.justice-for-all.org.uk/” It will be too late when the system has been destroyed and people like you are unable to afford legal representation to give them a fair deal on jobs and debt issues. We are entering a difficult time for employment and debt will rise. This lack of help could well cost the Country far more in the long run if it goes ahead.” Heather concluded.