Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps, excluding the provision of legal aid, his Department is taking to widen access to justice for (a) individuals and (b) small businesses.

The Government is currently undertaking a post-implementation review of the impact of the legal aid changes made under Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO), and remains committed to publishing the findings by the end of this year. This comprehensive, evidence-based review will be used as an opportunity to inform our wider consideration on the future of legal support for those engaged in the justice system.

We are also investing over £1bn to modernise the justice system, introducing 21st Century technology, online services and digital working, while making sure justice remains accessible.