Northern Ireland

Legal aid reform delays 'undermining its credibility' says auditor

Kieran Donnelly, comptroller and auditor general
Kieran Donnelly, comptroller and auditor general Kieran Donnelly, comptroller and auditor general

DELAYS in reforming the legal aid system are undermining its credibility, Northern Ireland's chief auditor has said.

Comptroller and auditor general Kieran Donnelly said he is "disappointed by the slow progress", but accepts that Stormont's collapse is causing "significant constraints".

The Northern Ireland Audit Office has published its report on the 2017/18 accounts of the Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland, formerly the Legal Services Commission.

Two previous reports on legal aid published by the assembly's public accounts committee - one in 2011 and another in January 2017 - were critical of how the agency had managed the legal aid budget.

The latest report expresses concerns over delays in implementing proposed reforms to the legal aid system, and that previous assurances to improve its management following the 2011 report have not been kept.

Five further recommendations for improvement have been made.

Mr Donnelly said: "The delays in implementing the recommendations of the committee's report undermine the credibility of the legal aid system.

"Nearly 18 months later the department and the agency have not taken action on all of the recommendations.

"I accept that there are significant constraints on the delivery of the recommendations in some areas without a minister and a legislative assembly.

"Nevertheless, I am disappointed by the slow progress being made. I will continue to monitor this and expect to see a substantial improvement in the pace and delivery of the legal aid reform."

Legal aid gives people on lower incomes financial help for their legal problems.

The agency and Department of Justice have taken some steps to address issues, such as draft legislation and new IT systems to support implementing a registration scheme for legal aid providers.

However, the legislation cannot be progressed further without a functioning assembly.

The agency is also developing a strategy to counter fraud and error.