Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will review charges made by the (a) police and (b) NHS for obtaining official documentation when such papers are required for applications for legal aid in cases of domestic abuse.

The Government is absolutely clear that victims of domestic violence must have access to the help that they need, including access to legal aid.

As I updated the House on 21 April, the Ministry of Justice has begun work with domestic violence support groups, legal representative bodies and colleagues across government to gather data and further develop our understanding of the issues facing victims of domestic violence when applying for legal aid. The findings will be used to inform an evidence-based and sustainable solution, with the aim of drawing up replacement regulations.