Doncaster Solicitors Take Action Against Grayling
Doncaster Solicitors withdraw services on 31st March and 1st April to Support Lawyers National Protest over Legal Aid Reforms
Doncaster solicitors have decided to join a National Protest against Legal Aid Reforms in opposition to radical plans being brought by the Lord Chancellor, Chris Grayling.
If the proposals are put in place then Cuts of over 17.5% will be imposed over the next two years and the number of contracts for Lawyers to provide assistance will be cut from 1600 to just over 500 across the UK. This will result in severe damage to the Criminal Justice System.
The proposals may lead to lots of job losses as there will be a drastic reduction in firms able to offer criminal representation.
As a result Doncaster solicitors agreed that they will be unavailable to attend court on 31st March and 1st April or to deal with police station calls. A Duty Solicitor will be provided to meet their contractual requirements to the Legal Aid Agency and protect those in custody but no other solicitors will be available.
We shall also be working to rule and withdrawing our goodwill from the system which often involves us undertaking work which is unfunded to assist the smooth running of the Court.
ENDS
For any further information contact either:
Mark Newby Secretary of Doncaster & District Law Society – [email protected]