Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Heald and Kate Hollern

Tuesday 6th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Kate Hollern (Blackburn) (Lab)]

13. What steps her Department is taking to ensure access to justice regardless of ability to pay.

[The Minister for Courts and Justice (Sir Oliver Heald)]

The Government’s reform programme is intended to deliver a simpler modern justice system that is available to everyone.

[Kate Hollern]

East Lancashire, which includes my constituency and up to five other constituencies, has only one legal aid solicitors firm to deal with housing. What is the Minister going to do about that legal advice centre desert?

[Sir Oliver Heald]

It is important for legal aid to be available, and it is, in housing cases. It is also available in the most vital cases, in which people’s lives, liberty or homes are at stake. It is available in domestic violence cases, and cases in which children may be taken into care. I am, of course, grateful to the hon. Lady for highlighting the issue, but let us be clear about the fact that legal aid in housing cases is available, as is a national helpline, as well as the services of lawyers throughout the country.