551m boost to legal system

The government plans to spend an extra 511 million on the legal system over the next two years.This week's comprehensive spending review allocated to the Lord Chancellor's Department 2,635 million for the financial year starting in 2001, rising to 2,719 million the following year.

In its last spending review in 1998, the government said it would spend 2,464 million this year and 2,379 million next year.Within the 511 million, the government has made provision for 130 million more for legal aid over the next two years than it planned in 1998.

In return, 5% more people will be able to receive legal aid in priority areas of law by 2004.The Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, said the funding would help modernise the efficiency of both criminal and civil courts.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is also cashing in, to the tune of 352 million this year, rising to 422 million in 2001, with an increase of more than 20 million over the following two years.

A CPS spokeswoman said: 'This is a good settlement for the CPS.

In 2001-02, there will be an additional 52 million compared with this year's budget.

The new money will help the CPS to address current problems and improve its performance.'The Attorney General, Lord Williams, said the new spending plans for the criminal justice departments would encourage greater co-operation between police, the prosecution and the courts.The money will also go to installing modern computer systems, enforcing civil judgements and reducing delay for criminal defendants by improving communication, case management, and CPS recruitment.

Anne Mizzi