More than 400 households to be hit by legal aid reform

Local charity, Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau, is today warning that more than 400 low-income households with legal problems will be affected by legal aid reform.

The reforms, which start at the beginning of April 2013, will see changes to the types of legal advice that are available through legal aid. Debt advice will no longer be eligible and almost all welfare benefits advice will be removed from the scope of legal aid.

Steve Barriball, Chief Executive of Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau said:

“These reforms will hit low-income families the hardest. They come at the same time that the Government is introducing the biggest reform of the welfare system. This means that at a time when more people have an advice need there will be less advice available to them. Our specialist services are increasing client incomes. However the welfare reforms and cuts to legal aid specialist services will make this more challenging next year.”

Steve finished by saying: “We are working hard to raise funds to keep this much needed service. However, we can only do this if we have the necessary resources to help people. We want to increase public and corporate donations so that we can continue to help local people. Anyone wishing to support our work can donate on-line by going to the Donation Support section of our website (www.exetercab.org.uk)” Alternatively, donations can be made in person at the Bureau offices on King William Street in Exeter.