Bailouts are only for banks, not useful charities http://refugee-migrant-justice.org.uk/

Mass campaigning to rescue a legal advice charity has failed to persuade the government to show some of the generosity enjoyed by crumbling banks during the financial crisis. Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ), which provided legal support to thousands of asylum seekers, had been forced into administration because of changes brought in by the previous government to the way that Legal Aid fees are paid.

The new system only pays fees when cases are exhausted, meaning payments could take up to two years. As a result, RMJ had a £1.8 million backlog of unpaid fees, which eventually led to a cash crisis. The charity was, thus, not asking for new money but simply prompt payment of legal aid owed by the Legal Services Commission or, failing that, an interest-free loan from the government to cover the gap.

After launching an emergency appeal for funds, £76,525 was pledged by members of the public within 24 hours and a number of charitable trusts and organisations offered significant support. However, talks with the Legal Services Commission, RMJ's main funder, were unsuccessful and the organisation is now in the process of winding down. RMJ was one of few organisations to provide quality legal advice and representation to asylum seekers and immigrants across England and Wales. Over 10,000 clients, including 900 unaccompanied minors, have now been left in legal limbo.