LEGAL support for poor and vulnerable people in Bury is under threat from government plans to reduce the number of law firms who can help people on legal aid.

The Access to Justice Bill, which started its House of Commons stages from early March, contains powers to restrict arbitrarily the public's choice of legal advice and the amount of help available under the legal aid scheme for particular types of case.

The legal aid scheme is very much a local service. People with genuine legal problems, who pass the strict means test, currently have direct local access to solicitors. Legal aid is no different from other services, such as health and social services. It is a safety net to help some of the most vulnerable in our communities in times of need.

Anyone who wishes to discuss the implications of this Bill should ring Mr Robert Hargreaves, representing the Bury Law Society (tel: 773 2969).

DAVID K. SHARPLES,

regional secretary North West.

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