Extra resourcing will be needed to handle prospective rise in cases once Hillsborough Law in force, says Law Society
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The Law Society of England and Wales has said the justice system must be ready to deliver on the Hillsborough Law, ahead of an expected surge of cases when the legislation finally comes into effect.
Chancery Lane’s comments came before the second reading of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as the Hillsborough Law, in the House of Lords.
The Bill seeks to address longstanding concerns regarding public accountability, particularly in light of high-profile scandals such as the Hillsborough disaster, the Grenfell Tower fire, and the Windrush scandal.
The legislation aims to ensure that public authorities and officials act with candour, transparency, and frankness in their dealings with inquiries and investigations.
Law Society President Mark Evans observed that cases are projected to increase from about 250 to 11,400 a year.
He said: “Our justice system is already under pressure with significant court backlogs, legal aid deserts and a crumbling infrastructure.”
Evans added: “The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has not yet published its response to the consultation on legal aid fee rates, which are grossly inadequate to attract firms to take on this kind of work. Families of victims have already gone through a lot, they should not have to fight for legal support as well.
“The MoJ must raise the fees so solicitors can support the families.”
Evans noted that legal aid support for inquests should be “appropriately resourced”, while maintaining the wider legal aid sector.
He concluded: “We support the duty of candour. Public authorities must act transparently and truthfully, cooperating fully with inquests, inquiries and investigations.
“Families affected by Hillsborough and Grenfell know all too well the devastating cost when institutions cover up and obstruct justice. This bill can change all that. It can put victims and their families first and strengthen accountability, promoting truth and justice.”
Lottie Winson
The Law Society of England and Wales has said the justice system must be ready to deliver on the Hillsborough Law, ahead of an expected surge of cases when the legislation finally comes into effect.
Chancery Lane’s comments came before the second reading of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as the Hillsborough Law, in the House of Lords.
The Bill seeks to address longstanding concerns regarding public accountability, particularly in light of high-profile scandals such as the Hillsborough disaster, the Grenfell Tower fire, and the Windrush scandal.
The legislation aims to ensure that public authorities and officials act with candour, transparency, and frankness in their dealings with inquiries and investigations.
Law Society President Mark Evans observed that cases are projected to increase from about 250 to 11,400 a year.
He said: “Our justice system is already under pressure with significant court backlogs, legal aid deserts and a crumbling infrastructure.”
Evans added: “The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has not yet published its response to the consultation on legal aid fee rates, which are grossly inadequate to attract firms to take on this kind of work. Families of victims have already gone through a lot, they should not have to fight for legal support as well.
“The MoJ must raise the fees so solicitors can support the families.”
Evans noted that legal aid support for inquests should be “appropriately resourced”, while maintaining the wider legal aid sector.
He concluded: “We support the duty of candour. Public authorities must act transparently and truthfully, cooperating fully with inquests, inquiries and investigations.
“Families affected by Hillsborough and Grenfell know all too well the devastating cost when institutions cover up and obstruct justice. This bill can change all that. It can put victims and their families first and strengthen accountability, promoting truth and justice.”
Lottie Winson
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