The reforms that relate to ‘no win, no fee’ arrangements were expected to be implemented this October, but are now due in April 2013.
Law Society chief executive Mr Desmond Hudson said:
‘The delay will give a welcome breathing space for the Ministry of Justice to now properly consider the damaging effect these changes to ‘no win, no fee’ agreements will have on access to justice, particularly for middle England and those ineligible for legal aid.
‘The changes are complex and have been selected from a recent report from Lord Justice Jackson – despite his warning not to ‘cherry pick’ from the report.
‘As presently conceived, we fear that the changes will advance the interests of insurance companies at the cost of access to justice and fairness. This delay gives time to pause and reconsider.’
‘We urge the government to consider all the representations made to them, including those made by victim groups and charities’