Role of free legal advice “never been more critical”: Access to Justice Foundation

Providing free specialist legal advice could save the government £4.5billion for every half a million people who receive it, a new report has found.

The report, commissioned by the Access to Justice Foundation in partnership with the Bar Council, claims that investing in free legal advice will help to resolve problems earlier and mean fewer cases need to reach court.

Evaluating the economic value of the free legal advice sector, researchers found that free legal advice and support at an average cost of £3,300 per case saved the government £9,100 in 2023 – meaning that for every £1 the Treasury spent on legal advice, it saved the public purse £2.71.

However, the report warned that investment is “urgently needed” - describing the free legal advice sector as being at “breaking point”.

The report's authors noted: “Demand for the provision of free legal advice shows no signs of slowing down and the current economic and political climate suggest demand is only likely to keep growing.

“[…] Capacity constraints are resulting in a system experiencing many inefficiencies, with individuals being forced to represent themselves due to a lack of Legal Aid representation, proceedings taking more time than would otherwise be necessary, and court backlogs leaving individuals in a prolonged state of distress as the time taken to reach trial lengthens.”

Highlighting the ‘positive domino effect’ of free legal advice, the report observed that people may benefit from higher employment rates, improved health and wellbeing, and reduced reliance on benefits.

The authors estimated that getting legal advice to 100,000 people could lead to 38,900 more people entering the workforce, generating approximately £81 million in income tax and National Insurance.

Clare Carter, the Chief Executive of the Access to Justice Foundation, said: “As economic challenges persist and the demand for free legal advice grows, the role of free legal advice has never been more critical. This report emphasises the challenges that multiple and intersecting legal issues present marginalised communities, and the role of advice providers in supporting the early resolution of legal issues in a cost-effective way. Without increased and sustained investment, we risk failing the people, places, and communities who need us most. This report demonstrates that funding free legal advice is both an ethical obligation and a wise financial decision."

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “We thank the Access to Justice Foundation and the Bar Council for their report.

“We will consider the findings and continue to work with key stakeholders to ensure the legal support system, including legal aid, is fit for the needs of the modern world.”

Lottie Winson