Legal Aid Reform Consultation: Easy Read

Part 3. New ways of working

A simpler process might lead to more legal services offering legal aid. But using private legal professionals cannot meet all needs and is not the only way for people to get legal aid.

The Scottish Government wants to offer funding to other services.

We want to put funding where it is needed most. We may also employ people who only do legal aid work. This will let us offer help to people who need it.

We will use research to see where people cannot find a legal professional. This new plan will make sure more people can get legal help when they need it.

These changes will give people more ways to get legal help. The new system will plan services based on what people need.

The Scottish Government wants to know if they should change who can get free legal help. Usually, legal aid is for 1 person.

But sometimes organisations and groups such as charities and community groups need a legal professional. This is to protect people’s rights or go to court.

The Scottish Government is asking if these groups should be allowed legal aid. Helping them might cost more money.