I WRITE in response to the article in your issue of Friday, February 2, entitled Legal aid deserts warning. The Legal Services Commission (LSC) helps people, some of whom are the most vulnerable in our society, and we focus on improving access to justic
I WRITE in response to the article in your issue of Friday, February 2, entitled Legal aid 'deserts' warning.
The Legal Services Commission (LSC) helps people, some of whom are the most vulnerable in our society, and we focus on improving access to justice.
I reject the claim that there will be "legal aid deserts, especially in rural areas".
There is currently adequate coverage of LSC funded advice services across most of England and Wales. Statistics show that 94 per cent of the total population of England and Wales live within five miles of a civil legal aid supplier.
The LSC is constantly developing new ways of improving access to legal and advice services. For example, Community Legal Service Direct offers free information and advice to everyone by phone (0845 345 4 345), the internet (www.clsdirect.org.uk) and a range of legal information leaflets.
LIN STOREY
Midlands regional director
Legal Services Commission
Hills Road
Cambridge
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