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Anyone who thinks that protesting against the reforms envisaged in the consultation paper will maintain the status quo, had better think again.
Whilst there may be ideological drivers, it is the financial ones that will prevail - the goal of savings of £220 million per year by 2018/19.(1)
Short of a strike by the judiciary, change will follow the Consultation. Protest alone will almost inevitably be futile. Cuts are hurting areas that are far more dear to their beliefs for the Conservatives to make, unloved, Criminal Legal Aid an exception.
Arguments against the proposals are likely to fail unless they meet the financial reality. It is up to the consultees to make out a case for protecting rights and improving the proposals, but doing so within the Treasury-driven financial reductions.
LDLA is committed to point out the failings in the Consultation Document and to make proposals that realistic within the constraints.
Come and have your say. Help LDLA make the case to preserve the fundamental rights of the accused. Come with new ideas and cost saving alternatives!
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