Opponents can choose any adjective they like to describe LASPO, but the blows never seem to inflict any damage.

Today’s public accounts committee report may be the most important thing you read today.

The committee concludes that the government’s legal aid reforms (it is always careful not to say cuts) were not based on evidence in many areas and implemented with little idea of the consequences – or even how to measure the consequences.

It’s a lesson in how governments ride roughshod over logic and consultation. As the report rather brilliantly concludes: ‘In short, there is not a lot the ministry does know.’

It’s basically take-your-pick time for adjectives to describe the mauling MPs have given poor LASPO: damning, scathing, furious – I’ve heard most already.

But the MoJ ultimately emerges like a durable boxer who takes blow after blow only to come out for the next round with barely a scratch.

The ministry emerges like a durable boxer who takes blow after blow without showing any signs of a mere scratch

This is a department that is almost beyond reproach. Of course the legal aid cuts were not based on evidence: the permanent secretary admitted as much during her appearance before committee in December.

There is little regret or contrition in the MoJ’s statement in response. Indeed, the statement said the government was ‘pleased’ that the committee acknowledged the reforms have been successful in making significant savings the department had no choice but to find.

Was there a knock-on effect to other government departments? Probably, but the MoJ is arguably right to say this is nigh-on impossible to calculate. Legal aid cuts will almost certainly have increased the incidence of mental health problems, but how can we differentiate that cause from other factors?

Margaret Hodge

Source: Thinkstock

Committee chair Margaret Hodge

I dare say this report, like so much of the opposition and fury around LASPO, will be acknowledged but largely dismissed at the MoJ.

If the Department of Health suddenly decided to restrict treatment to only the poorest in society and left others to pay or treat themselves, there would be a national outcry and demands for heads to roll. But justice issues simply don’t resonate with the public or the national media.

While that is the case, the MoJ will fly happily under the radar and pat itself on the back for a cost-cutting job well done.

John Hyde is Gazette deputy news editor

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