The minister scraps the plan that individuals seeking justice must always first report to the Legal Aid Office before they can receive subsidized legal aid. This proposal clashes with the widely accepted principle in the field that people should be able to approach various service providers with their problem. A requirement to always first go to the Legal Aid Office creates an additional barrier for people, especially if they ultimately find they need assistance from a lawyer.
Additionally, after consulting all parties involved, Minister Weerwind has decided against the introduction of so-called legal aid packages. The development of these packages proves to be very complex, they are not practically usable, and there is little support among the professionals who need to work with them. The underlying objective of better quality service delivery and an efficient system remains intact. The minister aims to achieve these goals within the existing system of fixed compensation.
Minister Weerwind writes this today in a letter to the House of Representatives.
“With these decisions, I am bringing focus and working towards a renewed system of subsidized legal aid that provides easy and effective access to justice, with broad information provision for everyone. A system in which the problems of those seeking justice are addressed as early as possible and, if necessary, comprehensively. I want to stimulate and facilitate regional cooperation and further strengthen the position of the Legal Aid Office.”
Earlier, the minister announced that calling the Legal Aid Office has become free of charge this year. The office assists people with low incomes with free personal advice.
Furthermore, the subsidy scheme for the vocational training of social lawyers will be extended this year. The scheme aims to stimulate young talent in social law and has led to 202 lawyer trainees over the past two years. This summer, the reimbursement of travel expenses for legal aid providers will also be adjusted.