Enabling Access to Justice Reform Programme Public Consultation: Improving Impact and Value for Money by Reforming Scope and Merits

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 three key proposals to reform the merits criteria used to determine eligibility for publicly funded legal services. The proposals are intended to ensure that legal aid resources are directed towards cases where funding is most needed, achieves the greatest benefit to the applicant, and supports effective access to justice, while also ensuring the responsible and efficient use of public funds. 

Respondents may answer as many or as few questions as they wish and are welcome to comment only on those areas where they have views or relevant experience.

The Department welcomes views from individuals, representative bodies, legal practitioners, advice organisations, voluntary and community groups, and all other interested stakeholders. Please note that if you would prefer to submit a written response giving your views on this consultation, you can do so by either emailing: clar@justice-ni.gov.uk or in writing to:

Legal Aid Reform, Enabling Access to Justice Division, Knockview Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SG.

The Department would also welcome the opportunity to engage directly with stakeholders who wish to discuss any aspect of the proposals in greater detail. If you would like to arrange a meeting or provide additional evidence, please contact clar@justice-ni.gov.uk.  

Why your views matter

The legal aid system plays a vital role in helping people access justice, protect their rights, and resolve legal problems that can have a significant impact on their lives and families. This public consultation provides an important opportunity for individuals, community organisations, legal professionals, support services, and other stakeholders to share their views on the proposed reforms and help shape the future of legal aid in Northern Ireland. Your experience, knowledge, and perspectives will help ensure that any changes strike the right balance between maintaining fair and effective access to justice, targeting resources where they are most needed, and delivering better value for the public. By taking part, you can help inform policy decisions and contribute to a legal aid system that is effective, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of those who rely upon it.

The Department of Justice particularly welcomes responses from individuals with lived experience of domestic abuse, Article 8 Children Order proceedings and the legal aid system. These experiences are invaluable in helping the Department assess whether the proposed reforms strike the appropriate balance between access to justice, the protection of vulnerable people and the effective use of public resources. The Department also welcomes contributions from support organisations, advocacy groups, advice services, community and voluntary organisations, and other bodies that work directly with individuals and families affected by these issues, as well as those whose professional expertise and insight can assist in understanding the potential impact of the proposed reforms on service users and wider access to justice.

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.