On 7th March 2006, judicial review proceedings were issued on behalf of the
Public Law Project, the
Child Poverty Action Group, the
London Advice Services Alliance and
HP Legal, challenging the Legal Services Commission’s decision to end the Specialist Support Scheme without properly consulting the providers or users of the service.
These proceedings, however, have proved unnecessary. On 22 March 2006, the Legal Services Commission wrote to us stating that, in light of our challenge, they had decided to revoke the decision to terminate the SPP contracts. The Commission wrote to each individual SSP confirming that their contracts remain in force and that proper and full consultation will take place with them before any future changes are made to the service.
Jamie Beagent, the solicitor in charge of the case, said:
" I am delighted with this result which confirms that the Legal Services Commission, as a public body, must consult with its service users and suppliers before it makes important decisions".
For further information please contact
Jamie Beagent on 020 7650 1200.
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