LSC refuses Family matter start increases

In a highly worrying development, recent requests for Family matter start increases have been rejected by Relationship Managers. In the past the LSC has been very supportive of such requests and most generally were accepted.

Evidently, the financial pressures on the LSC are at an all time high. Given that we have some four months left to run in the financial year one is left wondering at the consequences of this stance. Potentially this could result in firms having to shut up shop, For clients it could mean having to shop around for a firm with matter starts available.

This follows a recent matter start recoupment exercise aiming to recover starts from firms that are projected not to use their allocation over the financial year. Please note that you have a right to review these decisions. Please contact us if you would like us to assist you.

We are trying to build up a picture of the impact of the LSC's matter start decisions so please let us know if you have had matter start requests refused.

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One of our clients was recently refused Family matter start increases on the basis that there were other providers "within 45 minutes by car".

There, in a nutshell, is the current philosophy of the LSC. Let us unpick it as it is fascinating in its implications.

Firstly, the LSC is not saying that the client that approached our firm is not going to be funded under the Legal Help scheme. They are saying that they will fund it only if the client goes to a firm of the LSC's choosing i.e anybody with matter starts available.

Secondly, do we now expect clients to be ringing up solicitors first to find out which ones have matter starts available before they make the journey?

Thirdly, isn't legal aid for the poorer members of society? Do we really need to point out to the LSC that your average client on Income Support might not have a car nor the means to fuel it for a 90 minutes round trip to the solicitors.