16/05/2013

MoJ Seek To Cut Expert Witness Legal Aid Cost

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is seeking to reduce the cost of legal aid with a number of fresh cuts, the Guardian has reported.

One of the issues highlighted by the MoJ is that of expert witnesses, which they say give evidence of little value on family courts.

The new cuts hope to make significant reductions to the government’s annual bill for exports’ reports, which currently stands at £50m.

"Poor quality expert evidence can lead to unacceptable delays for children and their families” family justice minister Lord McNally said.

Adding: “By putting standards in place we will ensure only the highest calibre of evidence is permitted in family proceedings. We want to ensure that evidence being put forward is more robust and that cases are resolved more quickly."

(MH/CD)


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