We recognise the strength of Richard Miller’s suggestion that judges should be empowered to make a direction that an individual needs representation and that it should be binding on the Legal Aid Agency to provide exceptional case funding in that case. Such an approach could increase access to justice for the most vulnerable litigants and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of court proceedings.

We recognise the strength of Richard Miller’s suggestion that judges should be empowered to make a direction that an individual needs representation and that it should be binding on the Legal Aid Agency to provide exceptional case funding in that case. Such an approach could increase access to justice for the most vulnerable litigants and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of court proceedings. Type: conclusion | Number: 32 | Paragraph: 118 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: The ECF scheme remains a vital safety net to ensure legal aid is available where there is a risk of a breach of an individual’s rights under the ECHR. We are already working to make changes, including bringing forward improved guidance, to ensure the scheme works as effectively as possible for appli