Increased stress levels linked to denial of access to justice

Victims of legal aid cuts are left feeling stressed, powerless, and unable to get on with life according to the findings of a new report.

A new report published by Tonybee Hall and Middlesex University, 'Sleepless nights: accessing justice without legal aid', examines the impact of government cuts on the lives of people who are unable to pay for legal advice and representation in London.

One hundred people from across London took part in the survey. These individuals had one or more legal issues in employment, housing, family, and were at different stages of dealing with their case. Most of them received legal aid before 2013 prior to the funding cuts.

Chief executive of Toynbee Hall, Graham Fisher, said the report 'highlights the impact of the growing gap in access to legal advice on the lives of ordinary people across the capital'.

'In the past two years, Toynbee Hall has seen first-hand the negative impact legal aid cuts have had on our service users, eroding their access to justice,' he added.

The report shows that 78 per cent of respondents across all ages and ethnicities are experiencing high levels of anxiety which can lead to mental and physical problems with increased GP and hospital visits.

Parents have also found themselves less equipped to function as a parent and in work which impacts negatively on their children and family. The situation is made worse with legal processes taking longer and extra court administration costs possible.

Many participants have expressed their concerns over an imbalance of power particularly in cases where the other party is represented and they are not.

A further highlight from the report showed that 61 per cent of the respondents see free legal services advisers as not just a lawyer but also a 'friend and counsellor'.

Looking ahead Fisher commented: 'We are calling for the reintroduction of legal aid for housing, family, and employment matters, with a fresh look at means testing and eligibility.'

'More funding needs to be put into place for free legal advice services which provide a life line for people who do not have the means to pay for legal advice and representation. In addition, more emotional support should be provided for people experiencing anxiety and distress,' he continued.

Middlesex University's Dr Alessio D'Angelo added: 'Recent surveys have shown that the vast majority of the British public considers access to justice as a fundamental right. However, this right has been dramatically eroded by the recent cuts to legal aid and other cuts and restructuring across the board.'

'The effective lack of affordable access to justice is jeopardising the rule of law', he continued. 'This is having a knock-on effect on people's employment rights, welfare rights, housing rights, and more. The most vulnerable people in society are being affected disproportionately.'

Matthew Rogers is an editorial assistant at Solicitors Journal matthew.rogers@solicitorsjournal.co.uk