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  • Open consultation Consultation on the Reform of the Civil Legal Services (Financial) Regulations

    Topics:
    • Justice and the law, 
    • Legal aid, 
    • Courts and Tribunals

    Consultation closes 31 December 2026, 11.59 pm

    Summary

    The Department of Justice has launched a public consultation process as part of the Enabling Access to Justice Reform Programme.

    Documents

    • Consultation on Reform of the Civil Legal Services (Financial) Regulations Adobe PDF (340 KB)
    • Equality Screening - Civil Legal Services (Financial) Regulations (NI) 2027 Consultation Adobe PDF (331 KB)
    • Child Rights Impact Assessment - Civil Legal Services (Financial) Regulations (NI) 2027 Consultation Adobe PDF (210 KB)
    • Regulatory Impact Assessment - Civil Legal Services (Financial) Regulations (NI) 2027 Consultation Adobe PDF (196 KB)
    • Rural Needs Impact Assessment - Civil Legal Services (Financial) Regulations (NI) 2027 Consultation Adobe PDF (161 KB)
    • Data Protection Impact Assessment - Civil Legal Services (Financial) Regulations (NI) 2027 Consultation Adobe PDF (299 KB)
    • Human Rights Impact Assessment - Civil Legal Services (Financial) Regulations (NI) 2027 Consultation Adobe PDF (177 KB)

    Help viewing documents

    Consultation description

    We are seeking your views on a range of legal aid reforms proposed by the Minister of Justice. The legal aid reforms are aimed at focusing legal aid funding, broadening access to legal services for a wider proportion of society and making access to justice simpler, fairer, and more sustainable, while ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

    We want to hear your views. Your feedback will help shape reforms that are practical, proportionate, and responsive to the needs of our community. Please take time to read the consultation paper and share your thoughts through the channels provided. Together, we can build a system that delivers better outcomes for everyone.

    People can contribute their views by completing the online Citizen Space questionnaires (links below), or by sending written responses by email or by post. 

    Stakeholders may also request a meeting with the Enabling Access to Justice Division to discuss the options, and alternative formats are available on request to ensure accessibility. All responses submitted during the consultation period will be considered and may be published, with personal details removed for private individuals.

    Ways to respond

    Respond online
    Email:
    clar@justice-ni.gov.uk
    Write to:
    Enabling Access to Justice Division
    Department of Justice
    Block 5, Knockview Building
    Stormont Estate
    Belfast
    BT4 3SJ
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