PCC joins the campaign to end ‘abuse fee’
LANCASHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner has joined fellow commissioners calling on Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to scrap the fee charged to domestic abuse victims seeking legal aid. Under recent changes in the law, domestic abuse victims now have to provide specific evidence to be able to apply for legal aid. One of the accepted forms of evidence is a letter from a GP – a letter that some GPs are charging fees ranging from £25 to £175 to provide. The concerns raised by deputy Labour leader Tom Watson’s “Scrap the fee” campaign have been echoed by 16 PCCs, including Lancashire’s Clive Grunshaw, who have added their names to the letter to Mr Hunt, and Justice Secretary Liz Truss is being urged to scrap the need for the letter all together.
Mr Grunshaw said: “Those seeking legal aid in domestic abuse cases are doing so for a reason and any extra financial barriers could put lives at risk.
“Financial control is often a big part of abusive relationships and legal aid can help victims of abuse seek vital protections to escape violence, protect their children and ensure the family home is safe.
“Not all GPs are charging at this level but enough are that we need the practice to stop.
“That is why I’ve joined the call to the Health Secretary to abolish fees in these cases.
“If the Government is making this a requirement for victims they shouldn’t then be forced to pay.
“Here in Lancashire I am continuing to work with the police and partners to ensure the best possible service for those affected by domestic abuse including expanding Lancashire Victim Services to deliver support.
“However, we need to ensure no-one is put off seeking the help they need because of costs like these.”
Mr Watson raised the issue following a visit to Wythenshawe Safe Spots, a support centre for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
He said: “I’m delighted that police and crime commissioners across the country have backed my scrap the fee campaign – I learned about the GP fee when I visited a centre for victims of domestic abuse in Wythenshawe. I couldn’t believe it.
“People suffering domestic abuse are already incredibly vulnerable.
“We should be taking action to help them, not demanding payment for a letter they need to access justice.
“I have requested an urgent meeting with ministers to put an end to this practice. The Government should scrap this unfair, immoral fee now. It has to stop.”
Not all GPs apply these charges, and the amounts being charged vary.
However, to ensure that victims receive a consistent, equitable, and fair service across the UK, the campaign is calling for the service to be provided under the NHS so the fees are abolished.