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The report doesn’t make enough of the most important question, which is how can we extend access to justice to more of the poor and less well off. Solicitors and barristers through no fault of their own (at least on the High Street) are simply too expensive. The report proposes that new rules and requirements be imposed on MFs (and about time too) but they won't be able to charge, thus asking those still willing to provide this service to do more for free. Surely the right way forward would be allow fee charging so that MFs would have the resources to meet the new requirements, including insurance and the ability to demonstrate some grasp of the relevant law. This would justify a more aggressive policy on the part of the judiciary, preventing useless MFs from being involved whilst encouraging the more competent. Over time the problem posed by the incompetents would diminish. As it is the well-meaning and charitable but often incompetent individuals will continue their involvement and the competence levels will decrease.
Some comments here suggest that it is sensible to use the person trained for the job. Of course it is. The problem arises when you don’t have the money to afford that person. Is it being seriously suggested that the man with toothache who can’t afford a dentist should suffer without trying to find an alternative he can afford.