Report comment

The LAA has a statutory duty under the provisions of LASPO 2012, to provide Criminal and Civil Aid and Advice in England and Wales. The Agency is not perfect, but there must be a body responsible for the commissioning and supply of 2 billion pounds of public money.
As for a 'free rein' to grant Legal Aid. I go back to 1979. Although Criminal Aid was granted by the courts they certainly had no free rein. And there was much moaning when cases were refused. There were a host of appeals to the LAB or its predecessor and certainly involved a separate management team and building.