Exploring legal need in north Wales: the impact of the development of a law centre in addressing the gaps in access to justice

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The Commission on Justice in Wales (2019) found: 'The significant cuts to legal aid made in 2012 have hit Wales hard. Proper access to justice is not available with the consequent threat to the Rule of Law.' This has resulted in advice deserts where people struggle to receive legal advice and there is a serious risk to the sustainability of the legal sector. North Wales was identified at risk. In response, a steering group of local legal representatives and advice providers are setting up the first law centre in north Wales to provide free at the point of access legal services to address these problems. The rationale of the project is to map legal need before any law centre opens. It will consider how people deal with their legal problems, whether they get help, where they go and how they relate to the justice system. It will follow individuals through the process, as well as considering the legacy contact with the justice system has. If the law centre is approved, the project will then document and understand its impact - most importantly on its delivery of services to those individuals who are most vulnerable and those in hard-to-reach places, especially rural areas. If the law centre does not go ahead, the project will work with steering group partners in the local community to understand the ongoing effects from a lack of such services.