Luke Akehurst Portrait

Luke Akehurst

Labour - North Durham

5,873 (14.1%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024


Luke Akehurst is not a member of any APPGs
Luke Akehurst has no previous appointments


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Luke Akehurst has voted in 53 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Luke Akehurst Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Stephen Doughty (Labour (Co-op))
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
(3 debate interactions)
Liz Kendall (Labour)
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
(3 debate interactions)
Stephen Kinnock (Labour)
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
(3 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Ministry of Defence
(3 debate contributions)
Department for Work and Pensions
(2 debate contributions)
Department of Health and Social Care
(2 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Luke Akehurst's debates

North Durham Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petitions with highest North Durham signature proportion
Open
170
of 76,639 signatures (0.22%)
Open
264
of 129,957 signatures (0.20%)
Open
5,230
of 2,972,482 signatures (0.18%)
Petitions with most North Durham signatures
Open
5,230
of 2,972,482 signatures (0.18%)
Open
264
of 129,957 signatures (0.20%)
Open
170
of 76,639 signatures (0.22%)
Luke Akehurst has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Luke Akehurst

4th December 2024
Luke Akehurst signed this EDM as a sponsor on Friday 6th December 2024

St Leonard’s Catholic School

Tabled by: Mary Kelly Foy (Labour - City of Durham)
That this House sends its congratulations to St Leonard’s Catholic School in City of Durham for achieving an outstanding Ofsted report; remembers the appalling situation that befell pupils and teachers at the school in August 2023 following the discovery of RAAC; expresses admiration for the resilience of parents, pupils and …
3 signatures
(Most recent: 6 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 3
3rd December 2024
Luke Akehurst signed this EDM as a sponsor on Thursday 5th December 2024

Strengthening UK relations with the Kurdistan Region in Iraq

Tabled by: John Slinger (Labour - Rugby)
That this House supports the Government’s recent agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq on migration, trafficking, and drug smuggling; further supports ever deeper diplomatic efforts by the UK and its allies to strengthen relations with Iraqi Kurdistan across diplomatic, military, educational, cultural, and business spheres; suggests that every …
4 signatures
(Most recent: 5 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 3
Liberal Democrat: 1
View All Luke Akehurst's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Luke Akehurst, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Luke Akehurst has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Luke Akehurst has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

Luke Akehurst has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Luke Akehurst has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 34 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to (a) launch and (b) conclude a review of the mineworkers pension scheme.

Work has already started across Government to deliver on our manifesto commitments. I will be meeting the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme Trustees shortly to discuss the best way to deliver the proposals.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the frequency of rail services (a) at Chester-le-Street station and (b) in County Durham.

My Department works with stakeholders including Transport for the North, elected mayors, transport authorities and passenger groups, as well as train operators, to assess the demand for services. Rail North Partnership, through which the Department jointly manages Northern and TransPennine Trains’ contracts with Transport for the North, monitors operators’ planned train deployment to ensure this falls within the requirement on them to match capacity to demand within the constraints of the network.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
19th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans she has to improve the (a) reliability and (b) frequency of bus services in (i) County Durham and (ii) the North East in collaboration with the Mayor of the North East.

The government knows that Britain needs a modern transport network to help kickstart economic growth. Good local bus services are an essential part of prosperous and sustainable communities. As announced in the King’s Speech, the government will pass the Better Buses Bill to put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England, to ensure networks can meet the needs to the communities who rely on them, including in County Durham and the North East.

We also plan to empower local transport authorities through reforming bus funding. By giving local leaders more control and flexibility over bus funding they can plan ahead to deliver their local transport priorities. The Department will work closely with local leaders and bus operators to deliver on the government’s ambitions.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
4th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps with local partners to ensure the availability of (a) parenting and (b) other programmes to improve the mental health of (i) infants, (ii) children and (iii) young people mental health.

The Government has a bold new ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children ever. Launched in August 2022, the three-year Family Hubs and Start for Life programme provides approximately £300 million to 75 local authorities in England with high levels of deprivation, to improve outcomes for families with babies. This includes £100 million for bespoke perinatal mental health and parent-infant relationship support, laying the foundations for cognitive, emotional, and physical development.

Nationally, we will recruit 8,500 additional mental health workers across children and adult mental health services to reduce delays and provide faster treatment, which will also help ease pressure on busy children and young people’s mental health services.

We will also provide access to specialist mental health professionals in every school in England, so that mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can be identified early on and prevented from developing into more serious conditions in later life. We will also roll out open access Young Futures hubs for children and young people in every community. This national network is expected to bring local services together to deliver support for teenagers at risk of being drawn into crime or facing mental health challenges.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework 2019-2024 on the number of community pharmacies in England.

The number of community pharmacies has reduced from 11,517 to 10,458 from 2019 to 2024. Pharmacies are private business and decisions to close are made for a range of reasons, as with any other provider market.

The detail of the pharmacy contract is set out in regulations and in the Drug Tariff. These stand until they are changed. We are looking to finalise the consultation on funding for the sector for 2024/25 with Community Pharmacy England, as a matter of urgency.

Over 95% of pharmacies are signed up to deliver the Pharmacy First Service, and together they have delivered three quarters of a million consultations as of June 2024, taking pressure off general practices. The Department and NHS England are closely monitoring the service and working with Community Pharmacy England to support contractors in delivering this increased access to National Health Service care.

The Department and NHS England are aware of significant outliers in claims submitted through the Pharmacy First programme. These are being investigated through the appropriate routes, as set out in the service outline, and will be handled accordingly. If the investigation leads to concerns about fraud these will be escalated appropriately. Such processes help protect the public and contractors and give us confidence as we look to develop our services in the future.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when his Department plans to publish the contract for the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework 2024.

The number of community pharmacies has reduced from 11,517 to 10,458 from 2019 to 2024. Pharmacies are private business and decisions to close are made for a range of reasons, as with any other provider market.

The detail of the pharmacy contract is set out in regulations and in the Drug Tariff. These stand until they are changed. We are looking to finalise the consultation on funding for the sector for 2024/25 with Community Pharmacy England, as a matter of urgency.

Over 95% of pharmacies are signed up to deliver the Pharmacy First Service, and together they have delivered three quarters of a million consultations as of June 2024, taking pressure off general practices. The Department and NHS England are closely monitoring the service and working with Community Pharmacy England to support contractors in delivering this increased access to National Health Service care.

The Department and NHS England are aware of significant outliers in claims submitted through the Pharmacy First programme. These are being investigated through the appropriate routes, as set out in the service outline, and will be handled accordingly. If the investigation leads to concerns about fraud these will be escalated appropriately. Such processes help protect the public and contractors and give us confidence as we look to develop our services in the future.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the (a) impact and (b) effectiveness of the Pharmacy First programme.

The number of community pharmacies has reduced from 11,517 to 10,458 from 2019 to 2024. Pharmacies are private business and decisions to close are made for a range of reasons, as with any other provider market.

The detail of the pharmacy contract is set out in regulations and in the Drug Tariff. These stand until they are changed. We are looking to finalise the consultation on funding for the sector for 2024/25 with Community Pharmacy England, as a matter of urgency.

Over 95% of pharmacies are signed up to deliver the Pharmacy First Service, and together they have delivered three quarters of a million consultations as of June 2024, taking pressure off general practices. The Department and NHS England are closely monitoring the service and working with Community Pharmacy England to support contractors in delivering this increased access to National Health Service care.

The Department and NHS England are aware of significant outliers in claims submitted through the Pharmacy First programme. These are being investigated through the appropriate routes, as set out in the service outline, and will be handled accordingly. If the investigation leads to concerns about fraud these will be escalated appropriately. Such processes help protect the public and contractors and give us confidence as we look to develop our services in the future.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the implications for his policies of allegations of fraudulent claims submitted through the Pharmacy First programme.

The number of community pharmacies has reduced from 11,517 to 10,458 from 2019 to 2024. Pharmacies are private business and decisions to close are made for a range of reasons, as with any other provider market.

The detail of the pharmacy contract is set out in regulations and in the Drug Tariff. These stand until they are changed. We are looking to finalise the consultation on funding for the sector for 2024/25 with Community Pharmacy England, as a matter of urgency.

Over 95% of pharmacies are signed up to deliver the Pharmacy First Service, and together they have delivered three quarters of a million consultations as of June 2024, taking pressure off general practices. The Department and NHS England are closely monitoring the service and working with Community Pharmacy England to support contractors in delivering this increased access to National Health Service care.

The Department and NHS England are aware of significant outliers in claims submitted through the Pharmacy First programme. These are being investigated through the appropriate routes, as set out in the service outline, and will be handled accordingly. If the investigation leads to concerns about fraud these will be escalated appropriately. Such processes help protect the public and contractors and give us confidence as we look to develop our services in the future.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the contribution of community pharmacies to local healthcare systems.

Pharmacies play a vital role in our healthcare system. We are committed to expanding the role of pharmacies and to better utilising the skills of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, including by cutting red tape. That includes making prescribing part of the services delivered by community pharmacists.

We are currently consulting with Community Pharmacy England on the national funding and contractual framework arrangements for 2024/25.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
16th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help increase levels of humanitarian aid into Myanmar.

Since the coup in February 2021, the UK has provided more than £150 million for life-saving humanitarian assistance, healthcare, education and support for civil society and local communities in Myanmar. Most recently, the UK Government provided £1.3 million to help address the impact of the severe flooding in September.

The UK takes a multi-pronged approach to improving humanitarian aid and access: i) we work through channels including the UN Security Council and ASEAN to call for funding and unrestricted humanitarian access in Myanmar; and ii) the UK directs funding to local civil society organisations, overcoming humanitarian access restrictions to support the most vulnerable and hard to reach communities.

Catherine West
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she has taken to disrupt the activity of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in the UK.

We do not routinely comment on the detail of operational matters or specific threats. But national security is the first duty of any government, and we take any malicious activity that might pose a significant threat to our security and public safety extremely seriously.

Iran’s malign activity, including the activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The UK has more than 450 sanctions designations in place on Iranian individuals and entities, in response to the regime's human rights violations, nuclear weapons programme, malign influence internationally and state threats. The UK has also sanctioned the IRGC in its entirety, with the IRGC Intelligence Chief most recently being sanctioned this month.

The National Security Act 2023 provides a significant toolkit for our intelligence services and law enforcement agencies in the fight against state threats. This means that the UK is now a harder target for those states which seek to conduct hostile acts against the UK, including espionage, interference in our political system, sabotage and assassination.

In concert with partners, the UK Government will continue to use all tools at our disposal to protect the UK and its overseas interests against any threats from the Iranian state.

Dan Jarvis
Minister of State (Home Office)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her planned timetable is for (a) launching and (b) concluding an investigation or inquiry into the events at Orgreave in 1984.

The Government is committed to an investigation or inquiry into the policing of the events at Orgreave on 18 June 1984 and will consider options for delivering this. We will ensure that the House is updated as soon as practicable.

Diana Johnson
Minister of State (Home Office)
29th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) Surface to Air Missile Centre command and control systems, (b) Giraffe Agile Multibeam radars and (c) Land Ceptor launcher and missile systems comprising the Sky Sabre system are deployed in (i) the UK (ii) Poland and (iii) the Falklands.

We do not routinely disclose the locations or numbers of these platforms in the interests of security and operational effectiveness.

Luke Pollard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on integrated air and missile defence in each financial year since 2010.

Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) is cross-government, multi-layered approach, utilising a wide range of advanced capabilities alongside our Allies as an international effort. There has been wide-ranging investment across the full range of IAMD capabilities since 2010, including the Sky Sabre air defence system. However, with this multi-layered, international approach, detailed investment costings for all IAMD capabilities over a fourteen year period are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Maria Eagle
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his (a) planned timetable and (b) key milestones for success are for the DIAMOND initiative.

In October the UK signed a letter of intent on DIAMOND (Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences) alongside six Allies: France, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Poland and Sweden. We are working with these countries to agree the timetable for actions. A priority for the UK is making greater use of training and exercises opportunities, such as Exercise Formidable Shield in May 2025.

Luke Pollard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much funding has been allocated to the European Long-range Strike Approach programme.

The European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA) is a multinational framework. Participating nations will consider capability cooperation programmes under the ELSA framework, to be funded on a case-by-case basis. The outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review will determine the UK's future programme choices.

Maria Eagle
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made on establishing an integrated air and missile defence system for the UK.

Air and missile defence is a 24/7, cross-Government and international effort. We take a layered approach to air and missile defence deploying a wide range of advanced capabilities alongside our Allies. Without pre-determining the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), threats from missiles and drones are advancing and proliferating, and we will explore options to enhance our preparedness for these threats as part of the SDR.

Maria Eagle
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects Challenger 3 to be deployed to Estonia.

As announced by the Secretary of State for Defence, the British Army will deploy Challenger 3 tanks to NATO’s eastern border along with armoured vehicles in future years. However, details relating to the fielding plan for Challenger 3 are yet to be confirmed.

Luke Pollard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
12th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) remains a key component of international export control efforts. The Ministry of Defence continually assesses its effectiveness to ensure it continues to adapt to emerging technological developments in order to remain a relevant non-proliferation tool that strengthens international efforts to combat missile proliferation and frustrate attempts to deploy weapons of mass destruction.

Luke Pollard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
12th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many F-35B aircraft he expects his Department to have taken delivery of by the end of 2024.

Against the current schedule, it is projected that by end of calendar year 2024, the UK will have taken ownership of 37 F-35B aircraft.

Luke Pollard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
12th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many flying hours the Chinook fleet carried out in each of the last five years.

The below table shows the recorded flying hours for the Chinook Fleet.

Year

Chinook Flying Hours

2019-20

9581

2020-21

9734.7

2021-22

9283.8

2022-23

9055.2

2023-24

8027.1

Source: Joint Aviation Command

Luke Pollard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
12th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many aircraft will be procured through the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme.

The second stage of the New Medium Helicopter competition commenced on 27 February 2024 with the release of the Invitation to Negotiate to Airbus Helicopters UK, Leonardo Helicopters UK and Lockheed Martin UK. Only Leonardo Helicopters UK elected to submit a tender.

The New Medium Helicopter competition remains sensitive, and the evaluation and approval process needs to complete before further details, including aircraft numbers, can be confirmed.

Luke Pollard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
12th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 22 July 2024 to Question 444, what recent progress his Department has made on the New Medium Helicopter programme.

The second stage of the New Medium Helicopter competition commenced on 27 February 2024 with the release of the Invitation to Negotiate to Airbus Helicopters UK, Leonardo Helicopters UK and Lockheed Martin UK. Only Leonardo Helicopters UK elected to submit a tender.

The New Medium Helicopter competition remains sensitive, and the evaluation and approval process needs to complete before further details, including aircraft numbers, can be confirmed.

Luke Pollard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the status is of the New Medium Helicopter programme.

The second stage New Medium Helicopter (NMH) competition commenced on 27 February 2024 with the release of the Invitation to Negotiate and the tender returns are due back on 30 August 2024.

Maria Eagle
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what funding has been (a) allocated to and (b) spent on the Future Combat Air System Tempest programme.

The UK has invested over £2 billion already in Future Combat Air System / Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and the associated Team Tempest R&D programme, which has positioned us to play a leading role in the GCAP. The Secretary of State this week hosted with his Japanese and Italian Ministerial counterparts to discuss progress made on GCAP, including the skills we are developing in our respective nations and the economic growth potential for the programme.

Maria Eagle
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase from three to five the number of E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft on order for the Royal Air Force.

There are currently no plans to order further E-7 Wedgetail aircraft for the Royal Air Force.

The upcoming Strategic Defence Review will consider the threats Britain faces, the capabilities needed to meet them, the state of UK Armed Forces and the resources available.

Maria Eagle
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of a fleet of three E-7 Wedgetail aircraft in delivery of (a) sovereign AEW&C capability, (b) the UK's NATO commitments and (c) both concurrently.

The upcoming Strategic Defence Review will consider the threats Britain faces, the capabilities needed to meet them, the state of UK Armed Forces and the resources available. It will ensure a ‘NATO-first’ policy is at the heart of Britain’s Defence plans.

Maria Eagle
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of contractor delivery as part of the Fleet Solid Support Programme.

The prime contractor, Navantia UK, is contractually obligated to deliver the Fleet Solid Support ship manufacture contract. The Ministry of Defence is well engaged with Navantia UK and members of their supply chain to monitor the progress of all aspects of the programme.

Shipbuilding supports 42,600 jobs nationwide, adds £2.4 billion to the economy every single year, and is an important pillar of our civil and defence industrial base. We are committed to supporting vibrant and successful shipbuilding and fabrication industries, and our skilled workforces who deliver them, in all parts of the UK.

Maria Eagle
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of recruitment and retention across the armed forces.

The new Government is reviewing the adequacy of recruitment, readiness and retention efforts. Our Armed Forces face considerable challenges due to the inadequacy of recruitment and retention in recent years. We have not recruited enough people or retained enough people. This puts pressure on the availability and readiness of units within our Armed Forces and places more burden on those in service. We are determined to change this. The new Government’s work in improving retention and recruitment is part of a package of measures aimed to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve. Strength of our Armed Forces is also being considered as part of the Strategic Defence Review launched by the Prime Minister. We hope to make further announcements about retention and recruitment improvements in due course.

Luke Pollard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the progress of the Ajax armoured vehicle programme towards meeting initial operating capability by December 2025.

The Armoured Cavalry Programme (Ajax) is due to achieve Initial Operating Capability by December 2025 as planned.

Maria Eagle
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans she has to regenerate town centres (a) in Chester-le-Street, (b) in Stanley and (c) elsewhere.

This Government is committed to delivering a five-step plan to support high streets and town centres across the country, including in Chester-le-Street and Stanley. We will tackle anti-social behaviour with 13,000 more neighbourhood police and PCSOs, roll out banking hubs, replace business rates with a new system of business property taxation, stamp out late payments and give communities a strong new ‘right to buy’ beloved community assets to revamp high streets and end the blight of empty premises.

The Government will also work with local partners in the North East to deliver economic growth, supporting local town centres. We will work with the North East Combined Authority on a Local Growth Plan, which will be both locally owned and aligned with the national Industrial Strategy. This is part of our plan to move power out of Westminster and put it in the hands of those with the greatest stake in our country’s future.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of legal aid provision in cases relating to disputes in the benefits system.

This Government inherited a legal aid system facing significant challenges. The Ministry of Justice has recently undertaken a lengthy, evidence-based, and wholesale review of the operation of civil legal aid across all eleven categories of civil legal aid, including welfare benefits, known as the Review of Civil Legal Aid (RoCLA). The Lord Chancellor will consider the provision of welfare benefits legal aid services, together with the overall provision of civil legal services, in light of the evidence that has been obtained through RoCLA and the Legal Aid Agency’s own engagement with providers.

Under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, legal aid is in scope, subject to means and merits tests, for advice concerning welfare benefits-related appeals on a point of law in the Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court, and appeals on a point of law regarding a council tax reduction scheme in the High Court, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court. Where an issue falls outside the scope of legal aid, individuals can apply for Exceptional Case Funding (ECF), where there is a risk that their human rights may be breached. ECF applications are determined by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) on an individual basis and are subject to a means and merits test.

There are currently 27 providers who offer legal aid services in relation to the Welfare Benefits category of legal aid operating out of 31 offices across England and Wales. The LAA monitors supply across its legal aid contracts on an ongoing basis and, where additional supply is needed, takes action within its operational powers to secure additional provision to ensure the continuity of legal aid-funded services.

Heidi Alexander
Secretary of State for Transport