MPs on the cross-party committee, chaired by Labour MP Andy Slaughter, will examine the current state of the legal services and representation market, and how it affects access to justice.

It will also look at the impact of those acting without legal advice and/or representation on access to justice and the ways in which the legal services and representation sector is adapting post LASPO 2012 to secure access to justice across civil, criminal and family law.

The inquiry will also assess potential new funding options and the scope for future innovations and potential adaptation of services, funding, regulation and technology to support access to justice.

Chair of the Justice Committee Andy Slaughter said: “Access to justice is fundamental to people’s right to a fair trial or hearing, yet there are long standing challenges across this sector, including for those seeking legal advice.

“The committee’s timely inquiry will assess the current state of the legal services and representation market in England and Wales and how this is affecting access to justice. 

“It will look at the provision of legal aid and the effect of restrictions, as well as the potential funding options to increase access to justice. MPs will explore the impact of those acting without legal advice and / or representation and the consequences of the cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency.

“The inquiry will also examine future digital innovations and legal regulation, and how these will help to secure access to civil, criminal, and family law.

“Given the persistent problem of legal aid deserts leaving the sector close to crisis, the committee will assess how the current system could be improved to provide a cost-efficient and cost-controlled service, with suitably remunerated legal practice.”