Pick ‘n’ mix policies put abuse victims at risk, says Mayor

Tony Lloyd

Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has criticised the government over its handling of changes to legal aid for victims of domestic abuse.

The government has been forced to amend its legal aid restrictions for domestic abuse victims because the Court of Appeal declared them legally flawed. The news is a victory for campaigners Rights of Women who argued the strict rules for family court legal aid applications were putting victims at risk.

Mayor Tony Lloyd, who has previously been outspoken in his criticism of the government’s approach to legal aid, said: “While I welcome the news that abuse victims can now get the assistance they so desperately need, these legal aid reforms have been an utter shambles from start to finish.

"This thoughtless pick ‘n’ mix approach to policy making has put victims at risk and led to unnecessary anguish. It’s been a waste of public money, and is an embarrassment to the government.

“Victims must be placed firmly at the heart of our criminal justice system, and well done to the campaigners for giving victims a voice. The cases they highlighted during the appeal brought home just how damaging these restrictions were.”

Under the old rules, victims could only submit evidence obtained up to two years prior to their application for legal aid. This restriction saw some vulnerable abuse victims appearing in court without representation, having to confront their abuser, and others feeling unable to pursue their case in court at all.

As a result of the changes, abuse victims can now submit evidence obtained five years before their application for legal aid. They will now also be able to apply for legal aid if they are suffering financial abuse. The new arrangements will be rushed into effect on Monday 25 April while more long-term solutions are sought.

This latest legal aid climb-down follows a previous government u-turn over cuts to legal aid fees, after lawyers and campaigners said the move would force firms out of business and leave victims without legal advice.