North Cornwall MP calls for legal aid reform for domestic abuse survivors
Liberal Democrat MP Ben Maguire wants changes to the means test
The Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, Ben Maguire, has launched a petition calling for urgent reform of the legal aid means test for domestic abuse survivors.
It follows a parliamentary debate, led by him, in which he highlighted the significant barriers many survivors face in accessing justice.
Mr Maguire warned that the system is forcing vulnerable victims, including many of his own North Cornwall constituents, to represent themselves in court or remain trapped in abusive situations, particularly in cases involving economic abuse.
His petition, which is backed by a number of domestic abuse charities, calls on the Government to raise the income threshold, reform evidence requirements, and remove barriers that prevent survivors from accessing legal support.
Commenting on the petition launch, Ben Maguire MP said:
"Far too many domestic abuse survivors in my North Cornwall constituency and across the country are being locked out of justice, by a system that simply does not reflect the reality they are living through.
"In the debate I lead in Parliament, I set out how the current legal aid means test is failing victims, and forcing so many to represent themselves in court or remain trapped in dangerous, abusive situations.
"This cannot go on. Survivors should never be denied the support they desperately need, simply because they fall just above an outdated and unrealistic threshold.
"That is why I've now launched this petition, calling on the Government to urgently reform the broken system and remove these clear barriers to justice. I would encourage anyone who supports this change to sign up, and help us push for the action that is very clearly needed."
Isabelle Younane, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, added:
"For too long the legal aid means test has ignored the circumstances and needs of survivors of domestic abuse, often leaving them with no support as they navigate a complex justice system.
"We know from our work with survivors that limiting access to legal aid can force survivors to relive experiences while representing themselves, and pushes them into precarious financial positions, making it even more challenging to flee abuse.
"We’re really pleased to support Ben Maguire MP’s petition to reform the legal aid means test, and for Ben’s support as a Women’s Aid Parliamentary Champion, helping us to raise the voices of survivors in Parliament."
In December, the government announced an additional £92m per year boost for the criminal legal aid system.
Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC MP, said:
"Our legal aid system has been left neglected. This multimillion-pound investment is crucial to keeping the wheels of justice turning – it supports the professionals keeping the system running, the victims waiting for answers, and all those who need access justice.
"We know that justice delayed is justice denied. That is why we’re investing in the criminal justice system. Getting the legal aid sector back on a sustainable footing is vital to restoring the public’s confidence in our justice system."