Legal aid spending on contact cases increases by 50% since 2005

The Legal Services Commission spent £124 million was spent last year on publicly-funded contact, residence and related cases, according to a Parliamentary written answer from Bridget Prentice, the Justice Minister, in response to a question from Jeff Ennis, the Labour MP for Barnsley East.

The represents a 50% since 2005 when the cost was just £78 million. In her written answer, Bridget Prentice added: "A small proportion of the increase in 2008-09 is due to the Legal Services Commission undertaking an exercise to close dormant certificates.

"The figures do not include the costs of initial legal advice on contact provided under the controlled Family Help Scheme, as this information is not recorded."