Free legal advice, because your rights matter.
Free legal advice, because your rights matter.
Legal aid is only available for the people on low incomes and with very few assets. The Bill will make these people pay more towards their legal costs.
These changes could lead to more people unable to afford legal aid, but unable to pay fully for legal advice.
Assets
Everyone will have their savings and assets (such as a property) assessed. People on benefits are will no longer be automatically entitled to legal aid and pensioners will be expected to contribute from their savings.
People with a low level of assets (between £1,000 and £3,000) will be required to pay for the first time.
Income
People with a disposable income of less than £315 a month will still be entitled to full legal aid. People whose income is above this will be required to pay more towards their legal costs.
Disposable income is calculated as your income after tax and housing costs and allowances for your children or other dependents. Many necessary costs, such as debt repayments, are included as disposable income.