Consultation on Reform of Civil Legal Services (Financial) Regulations

Overview

The Department of Justice ("the Department") is responsible for legal aid policy in Northern Ireland. This includes keeping under review the need for, and provision of, civil legal services and criminal defence services, as well as the quality and effectiveness of those services. 

This public consultation forms part of the Enabling Access to Justice Reform Programme and builds upon the evidence gathered through the Foundational Review of Civil Legal Services undertaken between 5 April and 24 May 2024, together with a subsequent stakeholder engagement exercise conducted between 23 March and 20 May 2026. These exercises highlighted a range of issues relating to the operation of the current legal aid framework and informed the development of the proposals contained in this consultation.

The Department of Justice is now seeking views on key proposals to reform the financial eligibility rules used to determine eligibility for publicly funded legal services. The reforms proposed in this consultation seek to simplify and harmonise financial eligibility testing for civil legal aid.

The Department wishes to hear from legal practitioners, representative bodies, advice organisations, voluntary and community sector organisations, public bodies, service users and members of the public.

Responses to this consultation will play a vital role in shaping future legal aid policy and ensuring that any reforms remain consistent with the principles of access to justice, fairness, proportionality and value for money. The consultation seeks evidence-based responses to help ensure that legal aid continues to support those most in need while remaining financially sustainable for the future.  

If you would like to meet with the policy team to discuss these reforms, please email: CLAR@justice-ni.gov.uk.

Why your views matter

We would welcome your views on each of the reform options set out in this policy document.

Respondents are invited to answer as many or as few questions as they wish, and there is no requirement to provide a response to every question. Respondents are encouraged to share any relevant evidence, case examples, or other information that may support their response and help inform the development of future policy. All contributions will be carefully considered to ensure that any changes to the legal aid system are fair, proportionate, and reflective of the needs of those who rely on it.

The Department of Justice recognises that some responses may be informed by personal experiences of harm, abuse or trauma. If you choose to share your experiences, please avoid including names, addresses or other identifying details about yourself or others. Any personal data provided will be processed in accordance with data protection legislation and, where appropriate, anonymised before publication or wider circulation. The Department encourage respondents to share only the information they are comfortable disclosing. The Department are also inviting organisations that support victims and survivors, including Women's Aid, the Men's Advisory Project and other relevant support organisations, to respond to this consultation. If you would prefer not to provide details of your experiences directly, you may wish to share your views through one of these organisations as part of their consultation response.