£1,000 asset limit on legal aid eligibility
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Legal aid in civil cases will be restricted to people with total assets – including their homes – worth less than £1,000, under measures to be announced later this week. The Justice Secretary, Kenneth Clarke, will warn that payments in England and Wales will be restricted to those "who need it most" as part of a rethink of the £2.1bn-a-year scheme.
At present, anyone with assets worth less than £8,000 qualifies – with those worth up to £3,000 paying nothing and others expected to make a contribution. Under the new system, the limit would be a flat £1,000, with equity in property included for the first time. The contribution expected from claimants would rise to 30 per cent of weekly income .
The measures are expected to also include restrictions on the types of cases legal aid is paid out for. Divorce, employment, medical malpractice and some personal injury and consumer cases, as well as immigration, welfare and school exclusion appeals are thought to be affected.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments