The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill - why it matters to you and what you can do.

I'm going to dispense with the humour and just do a straightforward blog about something important, that is happening right now, which you can help with. So here goes...

Justice for All is the campaign for free legal advice, which is a coalition of almost 4000 charities (including NRAS), legal and advice agencies, politicians, trade unions, community groups and members of the public.

Currently, disabled people, including people with RA, can obtain free legal aid to assist with welfare benefit issues like appeals of official decisions, and preparation for tribunals.

Much of this advice is provided by not-for-profit advice agencies like the Citizens Advice Bureau, law centres and independent charities.

The Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill is currently going through the House of Lords and contains proposals to remove social welfare cases from the scope of legal aid.

Why does it matter?

If it goes ahead it will have a negative impact on the ability of people with RA to properly challenge decisions when they are let down by the system.

This is particularly important now because the Government is overhauling the welfare benefits system and you are likely to be affected by these changes.

What can you do?

1. The House of Lords is considering proposals to reduce legal aid right now. Start by asking the Minister leading the Governments proposals in the Lords to protect the most vulnerable, via signing up to a e-petition organised by 38 degrees: 38degrees.org.uk/page/speak...

2. Disability charity Scope has launched a 'virtual House of Lords', where you can sign-up to pledge your support for the campaign to protect legal aid. It is fun and easy to do. Become a Peer by clicking on the following link and filling in a few simple details: justice-for-all.org.uk/News...

3. Spread the word by asking your friends and family to join the Justice for All campaign - simple but effective.

4. Write a letter to your local newspaper by adapting this template letter: justice-for-all.org.uk/dyn/...

5. Over the next few months, Justice for All is attempting to pair people with members of the House of Lords to let them know how important free legal advice is. Please email the Justice for All campaign at: [e-mail] if you would like to get involved.

Want to find out more information first?

Visit the Justice for All website: justice-for-all.org.uk/

Look at the briefing paper by Scope: justice-for-all.org.uk/dyn/...