PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
LEGAL AID ELIGIBILITY (4 February 1993)

That this House is alarmed by the Lord Chancellor's intention to cut legal aid from 1st April, a move which undoubtedly will lead to less representation for those on low incomes; sees this action as inevitably leading to major problems for many, particularly women who through situations of domestic violence, concern or upheaval may find themselves financially penalised when in need of support and guidance; finds it unacceptable that under such changes women seeking a divorce on incomes above income support level will have to fund the full costs of such legal process, including court fees together with much greater levels of contributions towards legal costs in other circumstances; and believes that unless the Government acts to stop these proposed changes, they will lead to major delays in the courts, increase burdens upon court staff, and increase demands upon other support services like social services and the police, all of which will lead to increase alienation and distress amongst those in need of legal assistance.

Sponsored by:
Sir Alan Meale (Labour)