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Personal insolvency is on the rise. In the first quarter of 2006, 5,615 creditors’ petitions were issued in courts in England and Wales, a 15.5% increase on the same quarter in 2005.
Many people facing bankruptcy cannot afford any legal advice or representation.
In June 2006 a new pro-bono scheme, PILARS (the Personal Insolvency Litigation Advice and Representation Scheme), was launched. The scheme has been designed to provide free representation for debtors facing bankruptcy proceedings. This is an area where there has traditionally been little pro-bono or state-funded assistance or representation.
“I strongly support the scheme as filling a long felt need for proper representation and advice for those facing bankruptcy proceedings. I commend the scheme to the Bar.” The Right Honourable Sir Andrew Morritt, Chancellor of the High Court.
“The bankruptcy court deals with a significant number of unrepresented litigants who really need technical legal advice. The court can only go so far in trying to help them put their case. If PILARS can help to fill what is a substantial gap in the system it will be good for the litigants and good for the courts”. Chief Registrar Baister.