SLAB has set out its proposals in response to a government consultation on reform, amid concerns about the current system’s “accessibility, sustainability and performance”.

The board said a redesigned system should improve access to justice, enable people to protect their rights and resolve disputes, and contribute to wider public policy objectives.

Its submission also stresses the importance of maintaining SLAB’s operational independence from ministers, regardless of which party is in government.

Chief executive Colin Lancaster said: “Transformational change is required for the system to deliver what is rightly expected by the public and parliament and that vision is at the heart of our consultation response.

“We know the current system is reactive, unplanned, and has very few mechanisms to direct resources towards areas of need.”

He added: “We must do what we can to change that and that is why we are fully committed to the Scottish government’s plans to reform the legal aid system over the coming years.

“We are ready to drive change in support of this approach and look forward to working with all stakeholders to reshape the legal aid system as a public service.

“Crucially, rather than simply administering the system, there is an opportunity for us to make a real difference towards agreed strategic outcomes.”

SLAB’s proposals envisage a modern, simplified system in which legal aid enables people to uphold their rights when they cannot otherwise afford to do so. Funding decisions should be made independently of the government of the day, it said.

The board also argued that legal aid must be considered as part of the wider system of publicly funded legal assistance, helping the justice system operate effectively. Decisions should therefore take account of the broader landscape, with consultation and engagement involving other stakeholders.

Chairman Bill Moyes said: “We are fully behind the Scottish government’s ambition to reform the legal aid system. We know we can go further if meaningful change is delivered.

“We have a generational opportunity to redesign a system that was created to protect the most vulnerable in society and to make sure it is fit-for-purpose for years to come. That is an opportunity we must capitalise on.”