The Public Law Project v the Legal Services Commission

The Legal Services Commission have announced that they are abandoning their defence of judicial review proceedings brought by the Public Law Project challenging the Commission's decision to terminate the Specialist Support Service. The Specialist Support Service provides telephone and other support to legal services providers where specialist issues arises or issues outside the provider's areas of competence. The Commission has announced that it will continue the service and hold a full consultation exercise into its future.

Jamie Beagent, from Leigh Day & Co (PLP’s solicitors) said: 

“We are delighted that the Legal Services Commission have conceded the judicial review brought by the Public Law Project. The Specialist Support Provider service is a vital lifeline for lawyers and the advice sector providing support to some of the most vulnerable and deprived groups in the country. It will be even more invaluable as the proposed Legal Aid cuts bite and whole areas of legal expertise are stripped out of the present advice system.” 

Tom Hickman represented the Public Law Project.