The current proposals from the Legal Services Commission in relation to fixed fees for family cases are likely to have an adverse effect on children, families and the administration of justice.

The current proposals from the Legal Services Commission in relation to fixed fees for family cases are likely to have an adverse effect on children, families and the administration of justice. The rates of remuneration are so low that there will inevitably be a reduction in the number of experienced practitioners, both counsel and solicitors, who undertake this type of work.

There will be a reduction in the number of solicitors’ practices undertaking family work and this will make access to adequate legal representation more difficult for vulnerable members of the public. There is likely to be an increase in the number of unrepresented litigants in family cases, which is already of concern to the judiciary as it can considerably slow up the court system.

All this seems ironic at a time when the public are concerned about cases such as ‘Baby P’ and the protection of vulnerable children in our society and the effect of the increasing incidence of family break-up.

In a perhaps vain attempt to influence the government and the LSC, I would invite anyone who shares my views to email their support. To date, I have the support of many leading legal aid practices in the north-west of England together with sets of chambers and Manchester Law Society. I can be contacted at: tony.broadley@rowlands-solicitors.co.uk.

Tony Broadley, Rowlands Solicitors, Manchester