What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the impact of its basic payment pilot on recipients’ access to legal aid in Wales?
Legal aid is non-devolved and is a matter for Ministry of Justice. Due to the amount of income received through the basic income payment it is unlikely a young person would qualify for legal aid should they need legal representation. This will depend on individual circumstances and the purposes for which representation is required.
One of the four key principles of the Basic Income for Care Leavers in Wales pilot is that taking part in the pilot should make no participant worse off. Where access to legal aid might be a factor this will be considered as part of the overall ‘better off’ calculations young people have with Citizens Advice.
My officials are working closely with local authorities to understand the impact access to legal aid could have on young people enrolled onto the pilot.