Tender process begins for family legal aid

The Legal Services Commission is inviting tenders tenders from organisations wishing to deliver publicly funded civil legal advice services in specific civil law categories and geographical locations.

Specifically they are inviting tenders for organisations to deliver family and/or an integrated social welfare law service at a basic advice level in a number of civil categories of law across England and Wales.

At least 10,000 more Family Law cases, particularly domestic abuse and public law children, and 30,000 cases of Social Welfare Law will be priorities in the invitations to tender for work which is additional to that which legal aid providers are already delivering under their current contracts.

Carolyn Regan, the LSCs Chief Executive said: "We will ensure that legal aid is available where it is needed most and can make the most difference to peoples lives. People experiencing domestic abuse are a priority for this funding. We are also working with Womens Aid and Refuge to design a pilot scheme that will give legal aid advice to women living in refuge accommodation.

"This is a real opportunity for any legal aid providers wishing to expand their business, and will help us deliver the services that clients need."

Tenders should be submitted by 7 August 2008.

For more information visit the Legal Services Commission website.