Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the timetable is for the Government to change the criteria for eligibility for legal aid for victims of domestic violence as a result of the High Court ruling of February 2016.

It is vital that victims of domestic violence have access to the help and support they need. Legal aid is available to domestic violence victims with private family law problems where requirements are met and was granted in over 12,000 cases last year. We are considering the findings of a recent internal review of the evidence requirements and will be making an announcement shortly.