Meirionnydd Nant Conwy MP Elfyn Llwyd was among the MPs from all over Wales who gathered at the House of Commons on Wednesday at a special event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of legal aid.
“For the past 60 years legal aid has been an essential part of the welfare state, along with the NHS, Social Security, public housing and free education. It’s vital that everyone has access to good quality legal advice when they need it, regardless of their income.” said Mr Llwyd. “Each year around 51,000 people in Wales receive face-to-face help from legal aid, to help them with their problems.”
Paul Davies, Wales Director of the Legal Services Commission, added:”I am delighted that so many Welsh MPs have marked this important anniversary with us.
“Legal aid funding allows solicitors, barristers and not for profit agencies to provide quality-assured legal advice to people on low incomes.
“It also pays for the Community Legal Advice telephone helpline which provides free legal advice on welfare benefits, housing, education, employment and debt to people on low incomes. Over 20,000 people in Wales used the helpline last year.
“Legal aid has also paid for nearly 40 young solicitors to train in Wales .”
“The current recession means that legal aid services are in as much demand now as ever.
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“Our legal aid service is the best funded in the world and I’m confident that legal aid will continue to play a valuable role in society for the next 60 years and beyond”.
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