The Bar Council has welcomed the overall settlement for justice in the Spending Review.
Kirsty Brimelow KC, Vice Chair of the Bar Council, said: “The average real terms increase in Ministry of Justice funding of 3.1% is a welcome recognition by the Government that justice is a key public service.
“Money for increasing court capacity, tackling court backlogs, and implementing the recommendations from the Independent Review of Criminal Courts are signs of listening by Government to our voices from the courts.
"Increased funding for the probation service is long overdue, and funding of the Crown Prosecution Service will enable them to achieve parity between prosecution and defence pay in the Crown Courts.
“The Bar plays a critical role in getting the justice system back on a sustainable footing. The Government needs barristers to deliver on its promise to halve serious violence and halve violence against women and girls. It is barristers who are required to prosecute and defend in courts.
“However, barristers cannot continue to run on the fumes of goodwill. The Bar Council supports the Government in moving away from crisis mode.
“We hope that the details of the settlement for the courts will address the need for further support for the criminal Bar, including the implementation of legal aid increases which will assist retention, as well as additional support for both the civil and family Bar, covering legal aid and early legal advice.
“The Bar Council looks forward to continuing to work with the Government for the benefit of those in the justice system, those seeking access to justice and for the protection of the public."