I'd like to assure your readers, particularly those in Lambeth, of continuing access to civil and family legal aid services.

Despite the claims by some campaigning solicitors reported in a national newspaper, the high number of law firms and advice agencies which have signed the new civil legal aid contracts means that there will be no interruption to the high quality services offered across the country.

That includes Lambeth, where it was claimed that most, if not all, services for housing, community care and welfare benefits issues would be lost because of firms refusing new contracts.

The two law firms making those claims have today changed their position and signed contracts but we already had 14 other firms and agencies in the borough committed to offering advice and representation across these areas of law.

That is in addition to the housing and benefits advice available via the Community Legal Service Direct telephone service.

I must also strongly challenge the "doom and gloom" scenario that is frequently used to describe access to civil and family legal services.

More people are receiving civil help today than at any time for several years.

Changes we have introduced over the past two years have seen these numbers grow from 580,000 to about 800,000.

The new reforms are specifically about continuing this trend - improving access to legal aid, and ensuring best value for money, so that more people can receive help.

People eligible for legal aid and needing help with debt, education, benefits and tax credits, employment and housing problems can get phone advice from Community Legal Service Direct on 0845 345 4 345 or visit the website clsdirect.org.uk to find providers offering face-to-face advice in the area.

Gary Spink Head of Media Relations Legal Services Commission