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<p>The Government is aware of the importance of ensuring that vulnerable people, including
those with mental health issues have access to Justice.</p><p> </p><p>Whilst making
savings to spending on civil legal aid we have made sure funding is available in cases
where legal help is most needed. When we enacted the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment
of Offenders Act 2012, we specifically protected legal advice and legal representation
for eligible persons involved in mental health and capacity proceedings under the
Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. In addition, certain damages
claims brought against public authorities (those involving a significant breach of
human rights or the abuse of a position of power) claims arising out of allegations
of the abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or allegations of sexual assault, continue
to be funded.</p><p> </p><p>We are monitoring the impacts of legal aid reform and
will conduct a post implementation review within 3-5 years of implementation of part
1 of LASPO.</p>
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