ALLIANCE responds to Scottish Government consultation on legal aid reform
- Area of Work: Scottish Sensory Hub
- Type: News Item
- Published: 12th November 2026
Concerns raised for people who are Deaf, Deafblind or who have Visual Impairments.
Legal aid in Scotland, governed by the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986, is publicly funded legal assistance that helps individuals access advice and representation where they cannot afford to do so.
It supports access to justice by enabling people to understand their rights, resolve disputes and participate effectively in legal processes.
In June 2026, the Scottish Government launched a public consultation on proposals to reform legal aid and inform the development of a Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill.
The ALLIANCE welcomed the opportunity to respond to this consultation. In our response, we raised concerns that the consultation does not consider the access requirements or experiences of people who are Deaf, Deafblind, or who have Visual Impairments.
Through engagement with our members, including sensory support organisations and people who are Deaf, Deafblind, and who have Visual Impairments, we identified several key areas which should be considered during the reform of Legal Aid in Scotland, to enable people with sensory impairments to have equal access to legal aid and justice.
Throughout our response to the consultation we outlined recommendations and areas in which we believe reforms or engagement must consider.
Read the ALLIANCE’s full response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on legal aid reform below.
End of page.
You may also like:
Learn more about the hidden impact of mild and unilateral Deafness.
Continue readingFind out more about this pilot service for BSL users in Scotland.
Continue readingAre you blind or partially sighted? Share your experience of food packaging in a short UK-wide survey.
Continue readingFour free traineeships available in Scotland.
Continue readingLearn more about ishush - a free online support programme for adults with hyperacusis.
Continue readingConsultation launched for parents/carers, people with lived experience, and professionals.
Continue readingLearn more about Posterior Cortical Atrophy and why sensory care matters.
Continue readingAlison Thewliss MSP writes to Health, Care and Sport Committee as part of the First Minister's 100-day commitment on audiology.
Continue readingContact the Scottish Sensory Centre for an online consultation.
Continue readingThe Scottish Sensory Hub welcome your feedback to help inform their response to Scottish Government consultation.
Continue readingAward for outstanding contributions to the use of BSL in STEM education.
Continue readingAccess the Helpline for BSL users or make an online appointment.
Continue readingCall for participants with Deafness to take part in a project about incomplete sensory information.
Continue readingAccessible research for people who are Deaf, Deafblind or who have a Visual Impairment.
Continue readingTake part if you are aged 18 years or over with any level of Visual Impairment and any experience of PTSD
Continue readingTake part if you are a CODA over the age of 16 years old.
Continue readingHelp hearing health be recognised as a global priority.
Continue readingFind out what's on and attend accessible events.
Continue readingHelp shape the future of glaucoma care.
Continue readingTake part in a Lived Experience Advisory Group.
Continue readingOur response highlights the needs of people who are Deaf, Deafblind or who have a Visual Impairment.
Continue readingHave your say on the role of Vision Rehabilitation Assistants.
Continue readingSocial support group for adults with any level of Deafness or tinnitus.
Continue readingComplete this consultation if you access optometry services, support people to access eye care services, or are an eye care professional.
Continue readingFirst FIFA tournament to have sign language interpretation broadcasts for all matches.
Continue reading