Plans to overhaul Scotland’s legal aid system have been unveiled by the Scottish Government, with ministers seeking views on reforms they say will make legal support fairer, quicker and easier to access for the thousands of people who rely on it every year.
The consultation sets out proposals to modernise a system that currently provides publicly funded legal assistance to around 170,000 people each year, helping those who could not otherwise afford legal representation to pursue or defend their rights in both civil and criminal cases.
Among the changes being considered are simpler application processes, less duplication, quicker decision making and greater autonomy for accredited solicitors, with the reforms intended to improve the experience of both the people using legal aid and the professionals delivering it.
The proposals form part of the Scottish Government’s plans to introduce a new Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill, replacing legislation that has governed the system for four decades.
Legal aid remains a vital part of Scotland’s justice system, ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent people from accessing legal advice or representation when they need it most.
Government figures show total spending on legal aid reached £169 million during 2024 and 2025, the highest annual investment ever made in the service.
The consultation also builds on a series of recent measures already being introduced, including a 13 per cent increase in solicitor fees from September, reforms to children’s and criminal legal aid due to be completed before the end of the year, a £1.5 million traineeship fund supporting up to 40 legal aid trainees across Scotland and the creation of an independent group to examine longer term changes to legal assistance.
Minister for Victims and Community Safety Kirsten Oswald said:
“At its heart, this is about building a legal aid system that works better for the people who rely on it and the professionals who deliver it.
“The proposed reforms build on work already underway and align with our wider programme of Public Service Reform, focusing on efficiency, value for money and improved outcomes through more streamlined and effective services.
“This consultation marks an important step in shaping the future of legal aid informed by the experience of those who rely on the system and the expertise of those who deliver it.
“I encourage all those with an interest to share their views.
“Together, we can build a legal aid system that is fairer, more accessible and fit for the future.”
The consultation will remain open until 13 October, giving legal professionals, organisations and members of the public the opportunity to help shape what ministers hope will become a more modern legal aid system capable of meeting Scotland’s future needs while continuing to protect access to justice for those who need it most.
