Skip to main content
Legal news

Independent report counts cost of legal aid

Jonathan Winston Jonathan Winston
1 min read

A new report has found that government proposals to cut back on legal aid will result in millions of pounds in knock-on expenses.

For more information on this read what law changes are taking place in 2012 blog post that explains this and other legal changes happening this year.

The report, from King’s College, London, entitled Unintended Consequences: the cost of the Government’s Legal Aid Reforms, says that the legal aid cuts were aimed at saving the government £240m but they will lead to other expenses calculated at £139m, thus wiping out almost 60% of the predicted savings. The report warns that that figure could actually underestimate the true costs.

The report, produced by Dr Graham Cookson on behalf of the Law Society, found that removing legal aid from the victims of clinical negligence would cost the NHS almost three times more than it saved, while taking it away from private family law would cost an estimated £100m a year.

Peter Walsh, chief executive of Action Against Medical Accidents, says the report shows that the government has failed to demonstrate that the new regime would lead to significant savings or that the potential savings would be a justification for the proposed changes.

The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill is currently before the House of Lords.

Source: https://www.newlawjournal.co.uk/content/hidden-cost-legal-aid-cuts

Client feedback

Very helpful and promptly anwsers emails as soon as.
Anonymous
Many of my family members have used Winstons Solicitors for their conyancing, over many years. I too have now used them and they did not disappoint. Samantha Robertson-Strong and Paulo Dos Santos were my main persons of contact. They were highly professional and very thorough, whilst maintaining an air of friendliness and approachability throughout. I cannot recommend them highly enough!
Mr T
Monika is extremely trustworthy, professional and experienced. Have very much felt in safe hands during a very difficult and stressful time of my life. Would highly recommend.
Zoe
Good Solicitors, helped couple times. Nice comunicion and people
Tadas
My son recently purchased a property. I had used Winston Solicitors for many years and had no hesitation in recommending them to him. Their service is outstanding; very professional yet friendly and approachable. Samantha is awesome. She always does a thorough job. Paulo, her assistant, has been an absolute pleasure to deal with as well. So a huge thumbs up and many thanks all around! - October 2025
J Thompson, Manchester
This was a stressful (and as it was a property purchase caused by divorce), very emotional. Samantha and Paulo were always very kind and patient. - October 2025
Dawn B, London
I recently used Winston Solicitors for the purchase of my first home and was extremely impressed with the service. My solicitor, Leasa, along with her assistant, Julie, were outstanding throughout the process—thorough, accommodating, and always patient in explaining each step clearly. They made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable, always going above and beyond to support me. I truly appreciated their professionalism and personal approach, and I would not hesitate to recommend Winston Solicitors to anyone - I cannot thank you all enough. - September 2025
A Woods, Ryton
Professional & thorough throughout conveyancing process. Efficient communication & timely updates from Amr & Joe. Would not hesitate to use their services again. Highly recommend. - September 2025 
Elizabeth M, Leeds
Contact Jonathan