Legal aid cuts are biggest problem for solicitors in Wales

The latest Law Society annual firm survey shows that almost half of law firms in Wales are experiencing problems as a result of changes to the legal aid system. 46 per cent of Welsh law firms found that changes and cuts made by the UK government to the provision of legal aid are a significant problem for their firm.



Concern among solicitors follows the recent introduction of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) in 2012.



Law Society President, Andrew Caplen, said:

'It is clear that changes to the legal aid system will have a significant impact in Wales, particularly the areas KPMG indicated the cuts pose a very serious challenge, such as Amman Valley, Llanelli, Pembrokeshire, Colwyn Bay, Denbighshire, Mold and Wrexham.



'That is why it is imperative that solicitors submit a response to the Ministry of Justice consultation with an evidence-based case about the realities on the ground, the impact of the cuts and the volumes of work on the viability of their firms.'

The survey is here.



9/10/14

