Building a fairer, more accessible legal aid system
Views are being sought on plans to reform the legal aid system, improving the service for the people who use it and the professionals who deliver it.
The Legal Aid Reform consultation sets out wide-ranging proposals to modernise the system, paving the way for a new Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill.
Legal aid provides publicly funded assistance to help people pursue or defend their civil legal rights or receive support with their legal defence when they could not otherwise afford to do so.
Proposals include simplifying processes, reducing duplication to support quicker decision making, improving access for those who use legal aid and providing greater autonomy for accredited solicitors.
Scotland’s legal aid system currently supports around 170,000 grants each year, with total expenditure reaching £169 million in 2024-25 – the highest ever annual spend on legal aid in Scotland.
The proposals build on a significant actions already under way, including a 13% increase in solicitor fees which will come into force in September, reforms to children’s and criminal legal aid which will be in place by the end of the year, a new £1.5 million Legal Aid Traineeship Fund supporting up to 40 trainees across Scotland and the establishment of the Independent Fee Review Mechanism Group, which is considering the longer-term changes needed to create a legal assistance system fit for the 21st century.
Minister for Victims and Community Safety Kirsten Oswald said: “At its heart, this is about building a legal aid system that works better for the people who rely on it and the professionals who deliver it.
“The proposed reforms build on work already underway and align with our wider programme of Public Service Reform, focusing on efficiency, value for money and improved outcomes through more streamlined and effective services.
“This consultation marks an important step in shaping the future of legal aid informed by the experience of those who rely on the system and the expertise of those who deliver it. I encourage all those with an interest to share their views.
“Together, we can build a legal aid system that is fairer, more accessible and fit for the future.”
The Reforming Legal Aid consultation will run until 13 October 2026