The Ministry of Justice has opened consultation for legal aid providers on its approval and contracting processes to provide legal aid services.

It says consultation will close on 12 November 2019, and takes the form of an online survey. The ministry says the survey will take roughly 15 minutes to complete.

The consultation relates to the application form and the guidelines for applying to be a legal aid provider.

The ministry says the application form has been condensed to one fit for purpose form that is relevant to all areas of law.

It has also created guidelines for applying to be a legal aid provider. It says the guidelines will assist lawyers to determine when they should apply and what is required to complete the application to a standard that is acceptable for the selection committee to assess.