Concerns raised over legal aid cuts

Legal aid funding cuts may spell the end of a number of UK law centres, experts have warned.

Speaking to the Law Gazette, the Law Centres Federation director, Julie Bishop, explained that as many as 18 centres could face the prospect of closure if the UK Government opts to push ahead with its spending cuts later in the year.

In October, ministers are aiming to lower legal aid rates by as much as 10%.

Ms Bishop is not the only legal specialist to warn about the potential impact of the forthcoming cuts.

London Legal Support Trust chief executive Bob Nightingale told the news provider: "Law centres have no cash reserves for downsizing."

He added: "The 10% cut will see many off, with many more to follow as the other cuts begin to bite."