The House of Assembly yesterday approved legislation that will increase the hourly legal aid rate for the first time in six years.

The Legal Aid (Scale of Fees) Amendment Regulations 2009 was introduced by Junior Minister of Justice Michael Scott, who explained that the demand for legal aid assistance is increasing in this economic climate, especially due to the recent spate of crime.

Mr. Scott told the House that the number of legal aid applicants rose from 308 in the fiscal year 2006 - 2007 to 369 for 2008 - 2009.

He added that there must be an incentive for lawyers to provide legal aid services to those who qualify. In 2003, the rate was increased from $100 per hour to $200 – a figure that represents what Mr. Scott called a "financial disadvantage" to legal aid lawyers versus private practitioners.

Mr. Scott told the House that the amendment will see a 50 per cent increase from the rate establised in 2003, putting the rate for legal aid lawyers at $300 per hour.