The Legal Services Commission (LSC) was attacked this week over plans to set up public defender offices in court buildings.

A letter from Pontypridd magistrates' court to local practitioners said it was considering offering Pontypridd Public Defender Service (PDS), one of eight PDS branches across England Wales, a prominent spot as there was a shortage of criminal advice provision in rural Wales.


It added: 'By being allocated court office accommodation, the PDS have confirmed that they would be able to provide an immediate service to anyone requesting their assistance, both during and outside of court sitting hours, including advice on social and welfare issues.'


Rodney Warren, director of the Criminal Law Solicitors Association, said it was inappropriate to have defence lawyers housed in court premises and the move conflicted with the LSC's promise that public defenders would have no unfair advantage over private practice.


'It is an extraordinary proposition that the PDS, just at the end of its pilot period and existing in direct competition with private firms, should seek to obtain a competitive advantage through such a move,' he argued. 'We would like to see evidence of this unmet need and - if it exists - we would like to know why private practice can't do it and why it has to be provided by a PDS office in the court.'


An LSC spokesman said: 'As part of our planning, the PDS is exploring different and more cost-effective ways to deliver a service to vulnerable clients. Private practice solicitors are free to take forward any alternative methods of delivery they think will better meet their clients needs.'