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<p> </p><p> </p><p>The Government is confident that the inquest system is functioning
effectively following reforms introduced last July under the Coroners and Justice
Act 2009. We are committed to reviewing the impact of the reforms in 2015.</p><p>In
addition, the Government has specifically protected legal aid for families at inquests.
Legal Help (the advice and assistance level of legal aid) remains routinely available
within the scope of the civil legal aid scheme. In exceptional circumstances funding
can also be provided for the family's legal representation at the inquest pursuant
to section 6(8)(b) of the Access to Justice Act 1999 (AJA) or section 10(1) of the
Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) (the applicable
legislation depending on the date of the original application). A means test applies
but can be waived in certain circumstances.</p><p>The Lord Chancellor is prevented
by statute from giving directions and guidance to the Legal Aid Agency in relation
to an individual case, but has published general guidance to which the Director of
Legal Aid Casework must have regard when making individual decisions on applications
for exceptional funding for representation at inquests. The guidance sets out the
relevant criteria and specifically addresses inquests where there is a death in custody
or a death in the course of police arrest, search, pursuit or shooting.</p><p>Following
a review of its decision in the Groce family's case, the Legal Aid Agency made a funding
request to the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor has considered the request and
has granted funding</p><p> </p>
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