Sentencing Reform/Legal Aid

Diana Johnson Excerpts

Tuesday 21st June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Clarke]

I hope soon. I take on board the hon. Gentleman’s views, with which I have considerable sympathy. We take very seriously the workings of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and its impact on reoffending and rehabilitation, and policy is being finalised at the moment.

[Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)]

Will there be specific provision in the Bill on children and legal aid? In particular, will children in local authority care be able to access legal aid to challenge the local authority’s decisions?

[Mr Clarke]

Again, I am indebted to the Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Huntingdon. In response to the consultation, we changed the measure in the direction the hon. Lady would like, so the answer is yes.