Current status: Answered by Siobhian Brown on 23 January 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the justice system will remain accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances, in light of the reported reduction in the number of criminal legal aid solicitors since 2007 from 1,459 to 966 and the Law Society of Scotland's projection that nearly one-third of legal aid practitioners are set to retire within the next decade, and what plans it has to increase the number of criminal legal aid solicitors and legal aid practitioners.
The Scottish Government remains committed to providing legal aid for a wide scope of actions. The draft Scottish Budget includes a proposed further investment of £14.2 million for the Legal Fund in 2025-26 which is an increase of 10% on this year’s budget (to £155.5 million).
Despite financial constraints, the Scottish Government continues to focus on building a more inclusive Scotland for all, investing in services and support that will help our communities during these difficult times.
Our budget, if passed by Parliament, will ensure that this government can continue to prioritise action to eradicate child poverty, protect our public services including improving access to legal aid and grow Scotland’s economy, while addressing the inequalities that many in our communities still face.
I recognise that change is needed to ensure we have a legal aid system that meets the needs of people. We are publishing our legal aid action plan for reform shortly, and I intend to take forward work in this area in the coming months and I will meet with the legal profession and stakeholders to hear views from across the justice system on areas for reform.
I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-31040 on 13 November 2024 in respect of solicitor numbers. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.