LEGAL AID
By Nicola Laver
The UK spends more on legal aid than all save three other European countries and funded the second-highest number of publicly funded cases, according to a Council of Europe study. It found that in 2018, legal aid represented 41% of the total budget allocated to the judicial system in England and Wales. Bar Council chair Amanda Pinto QC said 'comparing England and Wales' spend on legal aid with that of other countries is like comparing apples with oranges', taking no account of 'huge differences in the way countries' justice systems are organised and funded'. 23 October 2020