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The coalition missed a trick when it started. It could have said the unfunded income tax cuts of the previous government had to be scrapped and put the basic rat back up to twenty five per cent! To get the tax we all have to pay not just the "rich".

In the early 60's as an articled clerk I ran the divorce practice all on legal aid. Now 50 years later when I have retired and have not been in this field for 40 years as a lay adviser in my CAB I am being asked to draft pleadings and evidence and schedules for child residence issues. My clients are having divorce lawyers who will do the divorce on legal aid but not the children issues because there is no legal aid. Solicitors are abandoning these clients and writing letters that neither they or I understand.

Children and their upbringing are very important issues for the development of the child and their whole future. It also may have an effect on offending. Thus the reductions in legal aid are not defensible from society or the justice system are concerned.