Scottish Legal Aid Reform: A Step Towards Accessible Justice

13 October 2026

Access to justice is a cornerstone of a fair society, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can seek legal assistance when needed. Recognising the evolving challenges within the legal aid system, the Scottish Government has initiated a consultation to modernise and enhance its framework.

Legal aid provides publicly funded legal assistance to individuals who cannot afford legal representation. This support spans various areas, including family law, housing disputes, debt issues, and criminal cases. The system is administered by the Scottish Legal Aid Board, which ensures that legal professionals are compensated for their services through public funds.

However, recent years have highlighted significant challenges. Reports indicate a decline in the number of solicitor firms offering legal aid services, leading to concerns about "advice deserts"—areas where individuals struggle to find legal aid solicitors. For instance, a 2025 report noted a 5% decrease in legal aid firms, with only 567 firms remaining across all types of legal aid work. This decline underscores the pressing need for reform to ensure that legal aid remains accessible to those who need it most.

In response, the Scottish Government has proposed a new Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill aimed at creating a simpler, more sustainable, and user-focused framework for publicly funded legal assistance. The consultation seeks input on various aspects, including how to better support legal professionals and ensure that individuals can access the help they need without undue barriers.

At Thompson Family Law, we understand the profound impact that accessible legal aid has on individuals and families navigating complex legal issues. We commend the government's proactive approach in addressing these challenges and encourage all stakeholders to participate in the consultation process. By working together, we can help shape a legal aid system that truly serves the needs of our communities.

For those interested in contributing to the consultation or seeking more information, please visit the Scottish Government's official website. Your voice is vital in ensuring that the future of legal aid in Scotland is both fair and effective.