Response to the Committees 5th report, session 2003-04 (HCP 746-I, ISBN 0215018923). Reprinted July 2005

This consultation paper sets out the Government's proposals for a draft Bill to implement changes to the Criminal Defence Service (CDS) grant of the right to public funded representation in criminal court cases. The main provisions of the draft Bill relate to two measures: the transfer of responsibility for grant of criminal legal aid from the courts to the Legal Services Commission; and the re-introduction of a means test for criminal cases. The aim of the Bill is to ensure that the taxpayer gets best value for money from the CDS and to improve management control and consistency in the legal aid system and the way in which the fund is spent. The re-introduction of the means test seeks to focus resources on those that need help most. Responses should be received by 6 August 2004.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights examines every Bill in respect of Convention rights and other international human rights instruments to which the UK is a signatory. This report covers the: Charities Bill; Consumer Credit Bill; Criminal Defence Service Bill; Identity Cards Bill; Racial and Religious Hatred Bill; Road Safety Bill; National Lottery Bill; Crossrail Bill.