GATESHEAD ADVICE CENTRE AND CUTS TO LEGAL AID

Early day motion 1207, tabled 15 December 2010 by Ian Mearns (Labour). Signed by 11 members.

That this House recognises the economic and social importance of the work of the citizens advice bureaux, including the Gateshead Advice Centre, whose legally-aided advice and representation on welfare benefits, debt, community care, housing, family and employment are vital for many constituents; further recognises that in 2009 the Gateshead service advised 14,000 people on 34,000 issues, obtained 14 million of financial benefit for clients, contributed over 10 million through its debt work and secured 9 million worth of benefits; believes that without legal aid the Centre could only reach a fraction of the community and not take on full casework; is concerned that this will drive people towards unscrupulous private organisations that claim they can help people but which often fleece them; and endorses the Centre's view that proposals to cut legal aid represent a sharp break from the long-standing bipartisan consensus that effective access to justice is essential to underpin the rule of law.

Signatures by party: Labour 11.