2
Friday, September 7, 1973
"Tale will reduce the amount of contribution payable by any legally
aided person who has a disposable monthly income not exceeding 3500," he explained.
Citing an example, Mr. Pokorny said that previously a person with e
monthly disposable income of $500 was required to pay (by instalment) a
contribution of $990 towards his legal costs.
"Under the new regulations he would have to pay a contribution of
only $840. Moreover, contributions are usually refunded either in whole or
in part if the legally aided party wins his case and is awarded costs against
the other party."
The new regulations also prescribe the contributions payable by legally
aided persons who have a disposable income of over $500 per month or a disposable
income capital of more than $3,000.
Ho rates of contribution were prescribed when the financial limits for
eligibility for legal aid for civil cases were raised sone 12 months ago from
$500 to $700 per monthly disposable income, and disposable capital from $3,000
to $4,000.
New increased personal allowances are also prescribed for calculating
the disposable income of an applicant.
Until now the personal allowance has been $25 per dependent wholly
maintained by an applicant, while there was no personal allowance in respect
of the cided person himself.
The new levels ..................