Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what his Department's policy is on Law Centres.

The ability of individuals to resolve their legal problems is vital to a just society. We are committed to ensuring that legal aid and legal support are available to those who need it most.

The Government recognises the work that Law Centres do in the local community, and supports Law Centres through both grant funding and through legal aid contracts. We will continue to engage with Law Centres about jointly creating a modern justice system that works for all.

Officials from the Ministry of Justice regularly and constructively engage with Law Centres. We have met with representatives from Law Centres on a number of occasions both generally and as part of the evidence gathering phase of the Post Implementation Review of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. Insights from organisations like Law Centres who work within communities are crucial to understanding the experience of individuals as they progress through the justice system.