Legal Aid Reform Consultation: Easy Read

Changes

Just now people must find a private legal professional who can do legal aid work for them. They are paid from the Scottish Legal Aid Fund. Each claim is looked at on its own.

We spoke to users and other groups and know this is not good at meeting needs. It needs to be easier to use.

We suggest that:

• Legal aid should still be available for the same legal problems.
• It will help those who cannot pay.
• Everyone who meets the rules will still get legal aid.

• People should pay if they can.
• New legal services will be created.

We want to give better access to legal services. But we cannot give it in every case. It will still depend on the details of the case.

We are not trying to limit:

• What kind of case can get legal aid.
• What courts or other places legal aid can be used in.
• What work can be paid for by legal aid.