Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent steps her Department has taken to secure the provision of legal aid for people on low incomes.

Legal aid is a fundamental part of our justice system. We must ensure it is available for the individuals who need it, sustainable for the lawyers who provide it, and affordable for the taxpayers who ultimately pay for it.

The Government's reform programme will deliver a justice system that is more accessible to the public. It aims to support people in resolving their disputes using simpler, modern procedures.

This programme will modernise the courts and tribunal system improving the experience of everyone who comes into contact with it, including victims and witnesses. We will also make sure that the provision of legal support is updated to reflect the new way in which the justice system will work. We will publish a Green Paper on Legal Support next year.