Asked by: Emma Dent Coad (Labour - Kensington)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
What his policy is on the provision of legal aid for inquests.
Answered by Lucy Frazer
We published our review of legal aid for inquests on 7 February. The evidence confirmed the inquest process should remain about fact finding and establishing the truth rather than apportioning blame.
We are working on raising the awareness of legal aid for representation at inquests by publishing new guidance for bereaved people. Legal aid for inquests is available through the Exceptional Case Funding scheme, and we are working to simplify the application process for this.
We are committed to ensuring bereaved families are properly supported and able to participate in the inquest process. We believe families should be at the heart of the coronial process.
Asked by: Emma Dent Coad (Labour - Kensington)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department plans to create a dedicated fund for the legal needs of the affected community arising from the Grenfell Tower fire.
Answered by Lucy Frazer
The Government is keen to ensure that the bereaved, survivors and affected residents of the Grenfell Tower tragedy can receive appropriate help and support in a timely manner. Legal aid is available for civil legal aid services as set out in Schedule 1 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, subject to means and merits tests. Additionally, legal aid may also be available under Exceptional Case Funding, where not providing it would breach or carry a serious risk of breaching the European Convention on Human Rights.
Ministers have met recently with representatives from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) and the Law Society, and understand that RBKC has put in place a comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation offer, which extends to all residents of Grenfell Tower and Grenfell Walk. The Government will continue to work with bodies such as RBKC and the Law Society to assist people in claiming what they are entitled to.