Law Society of Scotland calls for legal aid reform under justice system overhaul

The Law Society of Scotland has called for political parties to prioritise investment in legal aid ahead of the Holyrood election.

The solicitors’ body urged candidates across the political spectrum to commit to six main areas, criticising “political inaction” regarding the justice system.

Included in a roadmap document called Justice Matters, the organisation calls for “modernisation” of the justice system, and “clear and workable legislation” to be prioritised.

Criminal defence lawyers have long called for an increase in legal aid rates.

Society president Patricia Thom said action needs to be taken to “reform legal aid and ensure there is a mechanism for sustainable legal aid fees”.

She said: “We are living in an increasingly challenging and uncertain world, and Scotland is facing rising political, economic and social turbulence.

“Our legal and justice systems have a vital role to play in responding to these challenges.

“The six priorities that we have identified for the next Scottish government and all MSPs are focused on ensuring fairness and justice for all and on ensuring the legal sector is best placed to boost prosperity for all people living in Scotland.

“Respect for the rule of law and a commitment to good law making are essential features of any effective government.

“It is vital that MSPs speak up to defend our democracy and the independence of our courts and judiciary, and that legislative processes are transparent and evidence based.

“Political inaction has driven the ever-worsening crisis in access to justice in Scotland. The next Scottish Parliament must take strong action to reform legal aid and ensure there is a mechanism for sustainable legal aid fees.”

Siobhian Brown, minister for victims and community safety, said: “The Scottish Government has announced comprehensive reform of Scotland’s legal aid system – to cut complexity, widen access and ensure the system works better for legal professionals that will make a real difference to people’s lives.

“This includes ensuring timely access to representation for those most in need, introducing clearer income eligibility rules, and increased fees for guilty pleas in more serious cases.

“The Scottish Government is also ensuring solicitors are paid fairly for their work and has set up an Independent Fee Review Mechanism Group to examine the sustainability of legal aid fees in Scotland.”