Campaign victory: Specialist Support is saved

On March 23, the Legal Services Commission (LSC) reversed its controversial decision to axe the Specialist Support Service, which is used by legal aid solicitors, law centres and advice bureaux in dealing with complex legal problems.

The decision follows the threat of a legal challenge, alongside a campaign by MPs and organisations that provide advice services which help some of the most vulnerable people in society, including CPAG, Citizens Advice, Liberty, MIND, Shelter and the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants. An Early Day Motion signed by 166 MPs can be read here: http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=29963&SESSION=875

In January 2006 the LSC terminated its contracts with 19 expert agencies that provide specialist advice in complex areas of social welfare law such as welfare benefits, debt, housing and immigration to front-line advisers.

In a critical report, the Constitutional Affairs Select Committee found that the LSC ended the contracts, which had received very positive feedback, after a short consultation and with only six months notice. Evidence to the Committee revealed a flawed consultation process in which the option of closing down the service was not mentioned. The Constitutional Affairs Committee's report can be read here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmconst/919/91902.htm

The LSC say they will be looking at the future of specialist support and may make changes in the future, but they have assured contract-holders that any changes will be subject to proper consultation.

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the campaign to save this vital resource for advisers.