Making Legal Rights a Reality in Wales

In September 2007, the Legal Services Commission (LSC) published, jointly with the Welsh Assembly Government, a "framework" for implementing the next steps of the Community Legal Service (CLS) in Wales. Its publication follows a consultation process early in 2007.
 
Given its stated purpose, it isn't surprising that the framework contains familiar language and ideas:

• proposals to expand CLS Direct to provide a bilingual telephone service that will deliver a "large proportion" of LSC funded information, diagnosis and basic advice, particularly in social welfare law.
• joint commissioning of integrated social welfare law advice in "bundles" to include the five categories of community care, debt, employment, housing and welfare benefits.
• a proposal that such commissioning will be carried out in 8 procurement areas, details of which are set out in Annex B.

However, the framework indicates some interesting and welcome developments in LSC thinking about how the CLS will develop in Wales:

• In contrast with proposals in the CLS Strategy (March 2006) and as a result of the consultation process, providers will be represented on the Wales Committee for the CLS. Additionally, the Wales Council for Voluntary Action will "facilitate and represent the views of clients" on this Committee.
• An acceptance that there needs to be flexibility in determining the most suitable delivery model and a recognition that there are already a range of effective service delivery models for legal advice services in Wales (p13).
• A recognition that "tendering may not always be appropriate in the initial stages of developing integrated services" (p15).

The framework refers to a "national funding formula" which will be used as a starting point for producing an indicative budget for each procurement area. Interestingly, it makes no reference to the Preferred Supplier scheme.
 
To read more, you will find the framework and summary of consultation responses on the LSC website:
 
Making Legal Rights a Reality in Wales

Summary of responses to "Making Legal Rights a Reality in Wales"