Scottish Government Seeks Public Input on Legal Aid Reform

30 July 2026

The Scottish Government has recently launched a consultation to gather public input on proposed reforms to the legal aid system. This initiative aims to create a more efficient and accessible service for both those who rely on legal aid and the professionals who provide it.

Legal aid is a vital public service that offers financial assistance to individuals who cannot afford legal representation. It covers various areas, including family law matters such as divorce, child custody disputes, and civil cases like housing issues and debt problems.

The proposed reforms focus on several key areas:

• Simplifying Processes: Streamlining procedures to reduce duplication and expedite decision-making, ensuring quicker access to legal support.
• Enhancing Access: Making it easier for individuals to understand and apply for legal aid, thereby broadening the reach of the service.
• Empowering Solicitors: Providing accredited solicitors with greater autonomy to make decisions, which can lead to more tailored and efficient support for clients.

These changes build upon recent efforts to strengthen the legal aid system. Notably, a 13% increase in solicitor fees is set to take effect in September, reflecting a commitment to fairly compensate legal professionals and attract more solicitors to legal aid work. Additionally, the introduction of a £1.5 million Legal Aid Traineeship Fund aims to support up to 40 new trainees across Scotland, ensuring the sustainability of the service.

Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Kirsten Oswald, emphasized the importance of these reforms, stating, "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 consultation is open until 13 October 2026, and the government encourages all interested parties to share their views. This is a valuable opportunity for individuals and organizations to contribute to shaping a legal aid system that is fair, accessible, and fit for the future.

At Thompson Family Law, we understand the critical role legal aid plays in ensuring justice for all. We support these efforts to modernize the system and encourage our clients and community members to participate in the consultation process. Your input can help create a more responsive and effective legal aid service for everyone in Scotland.