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I think that the real problem is this. The lawyers who are in charge think that writing a guide for LIPs is the answer. That is with the greatest of respect to those trying their hardest on a shoestring budget not the answer. It is surprising that no-one has mentioned the budgetary crisis in the courts service. The fact is that shutting the public counter and removing the telephone line (by not manning it) is the biggest issue. To a LIP who comes to court for the first time having never been able to discuss their case with anyone this is a disaster. As lawyers trying to use the system we need to get together with those operating the courts and judges in order to force this issue. If there is no individual funding for representation the next best thing is at least allowing people the ability to communicate with the court. Similarly if £155 for a standard
Application isn't enough to defray the actual costs of dealing with it then these need to rise to a realistic level to get this disasterous service ruined by the budgetary crisis back on track. This will at least speed up the process and will undoubtedly take out a lot of the procedural issues which arise through the court being simply unable to assist LIPs with these matters.