Hope for justice system but sustained funding needed
11 Jun 2025
Less than 1 minute read
News
Budgets for each government department have been set out in today’s Spending Review (11 June).
Law Society of England and Wales president Richard Atkinson said:
“Today's Spending Review gives the public hope that the justice system is a growing priority for the government.
“Funding this essential public service is vital for a fair and just society.
“However, all parts of the justice system have been starved of investment for decades. It will take long-term sustained funding to fix it, including in civil and criminal legal aid to address the crises there.
“The consequences of the neglect are plain for all to see. There are crumbling court rooms and antiquated IT systems, huge backlogs delaying criminal court cases to 2029 and thousands of children in legal limbo due to family court delays. Prisons are overcrowded and there are chronic shortages of legal aid lawyers.
“Families, victims and business need justice to be prioritised. The government must invest across the system, reducing pressure on the courts, by focusing on early advice and out of court resolution. We also need proper funding of solutions that will reduce the prison population and improve rehabilitation to break the cycle of reoffending.
“We can only maintain our reputation as a global legal centre and the legal sector continue to be a crucial part of the UK’s economy if the justice system is properly funded.”
About the Law Society
The Law Society is celebrating 200 years of supporting solicitors in England and Wales. It is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.