*/
THE Bar Council has welcomed the Ministry of Justice’s decision to create a new executive agency to replace the Legal Services Commission (LSC) to administer legal aid. The Government’s announcement follows the publication of the Review of Legal Aid Delivery and Governance by Sir Ian Magee, which had been commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), and a highly critical report of the Public Accounts Committee published in February (9th Report, HC 322) which accepted the findings of a review of the procurement of criminal legal aid by the National Audit Office in 2009.
Commenting on the Government’s decision, Chairman of the Bar, Nicholas Green QC said:
‘We welcome the publication of Sir Ian Magee’s report and the decision to move the Legal Services Commission to executive agency status in order to focus on the delivery of legal aid. Sir Ian’s report is thoughtful and well argued. As Sir Ian recognises, there has been a lack of clarity about who is calling the shots over policy. He identifies a number of serious issues which we will need to consider further. The case for separating the roles of administration of the legal aid funds from policy formulation, and clarifying the relationship between the MoJ and the LSC in organisational and governance terms, is a strong one which will undoubtedly help to rebuild more constructive relationships with the supplier base and stakeholders.
At a time of enormous pressure on public expenditure, it is essential that the LSC focuses on effective delivery of legal aidwhich demonstrates value for money to the taxpayer but also at the same time ensures access to justice for those who need it most. We shall look forward to beginning early discussions with MoJ officials to explore how the Bar could help the Ministry take forward the Magee recommendations for change. We shall also look forward to working with Carolyn Downs as interim Chief Executive of the Legal Services Commission.’
Commenting on the Government’s decision, Chairman of the Bar, Nicholas Green QC said:
‘We welcome the publication of Sir Ian Magee’s report and the decision to move the Legal Services Commission to executive agency status in order to focus on the delivery of legal aid. Sir Ian’s report is thoughtful and well argued. As Sir Ian recognises, there has been a lack of clarity about who is calling the shots over policy. He identifies a number of serious issues which we will need to consider further. The case for separating the roles of administration of the legal aid funds from policy formulation, and clarifying the relationship between the MoJ and the LSC in organisational and governance terms, is a strong one which will undoubtedly help to rebuild more constructive relationships with the supplier base and stakeholders.
At a time of enormous pressure on public expenditure, it is essential that the LSC focuses on effective delivery of legal aidwhich demonstrates value for money to the taxpayer but also at the same time ensures access to justice for those who need it most. We shall look forward to beginning early discussions with MoJ officials to explore how the Bar could help the Ministry take forward the Magee recommendations for change. We shall also look forward to working with Carolyn Downs as interim Chief Executive of the Legal Services Commission.’
THE Bar Council has welcomed the Ministry of Justice’s decision to create a new executive agency to replace the Legal Services Commission (LSC) to administer legal aid. The Government’s announcement follows the publication of the Review of Legal Aid Delivery and Governance by Sir Ian Magee, which had been commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), and a highly critical report of the Public Accounts Committee published in February (9th Report, HC 322) which accepted the findings of a review of the procurement of criminal legal aid by the National Audit Office in 2009.
Now is the time to tackle inappropriate behaviour at the Bar as well as extend our reach and collaboration with organisations and individuals at home and abroad
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Exclusive QA with Henry Dannell
