The Ministry of Justice faces another legal challenge to its legal aid reforms. The charity Disability Law Service has applied for permission to start judicial review proceedings in relation to the removal of civil legal aid funding for welfare benefits cases. The charity argues the decision is irrational and that the consultation on the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill was unlawful since it did not fully consider the effect of the proposals on disabled people. The charity also questions the validity of the consultation?s equality impact assessments. read more