Casualty of law

Carolyn Regan makes two fascinating comments in her response (Letters, ROOF September/October 2009) to Steve Hynes’ excellent piece on the legal aid system (‘Out of retirement’, ROOF July/August 2009). Both comments relate to the provision of housing advice – particularly by the not-for-profit sector.

‘There is no evidence to suggest that a decline in civil cases progressing to court means that people are not getting representation that they need. In fact, it could mean that people are having their problems resolved at an earlier stage,’ Regan says.

And she adds: ‘However, we recognise the importance of being able to bring and defend proceedings in housing cases and this is why, through our 2010 bid rounds, we will either require housing providers to employ an authorised litigator so as to provide a seamless service to their clients from advice to representation or prefer those providers who offer this service over those that do not.’