In his judgment in Tufail v Riaz [2013] EWHC 1829 Mr Justice Holman quoted The President of the Supreme Court that:
“It is vital for the Ministry or Justice to appreciate that any changes which are made to reduce legal aid and cut the cost of litigation are likely to have a knock on effect on the cost of the courts. Less legal aid means more unrepresented litigants and worse lawyers, which will lead to longer hearing and more judge time.”
The Judge recorded that in the case he was dealing with, he began his case at 10:30am and concluded it at around 3:30pm which effectively occupied the whole of the court day. He was only able to spend this time on the case because his other case in his list was vacated. Had it not been, the likelihood is that the Judge would have had to return on another day!
If you have been affected by the Legal Aid changes and would like some advice, contact our Lincolnshire Family Solicitors in Boston, Grantham, Lincoln, Sleaford, Spalding and Newark.