Hillsborough Law: What It Means for Families at Inquests

Latest update – May 2026
The government has published proposals for a new legal aid category and simpler fee scheme for inquests, in anticipation of a significant increase in legally aided cases once the Hillsborough Law comes into force. These changes are intended to ensure families can access publicly funded legal representation more easily.

Read the latest update on the legal aid consultation here.

In September 2024, the Prime Minister confirmed the introduction of the long awaited In September 2024, the Prime Minister confirmed the introduction of the long awaited “Hillsborough law”.

The Hillsborough Law is a landmark piece of legislation designed to change how the justice system treats bereaved families following deaths involving public authorities.

Named after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster — in which 97 people lost their lives — the law is the result of decades of campaigning by families who were forced to fight for truth and accountability while facing a profound imbalance of power.

For many families, that imbalance was felt most acutely at inquests.

The Problem Families Have Faced at Inquests

Historically, families attending an inquest were often unrepresented or required to fund their own legal advice. Meanwhile, public authorities and corporate bodies were routinely represented by teams of publicly funded solicitors and legal professionals.

Legal aid for inquests existed, but it was limited and difficult to access, often relying on exceptional case funding applications, which created uncertainty and delay at an already distressing time.

This imbalance left families at a disadvantage during complex and emotionally demanding proceedings.

How the Hillsborough Law Changes This

The Hillsborough Law, formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, introduces several major reforms aimed at restoring fairness and transparency.

Most importantly for bereaved families, the law will:

– Provide non‑means‑tested legal aid for inquests where a public authority is an interested person;

– Ensure families have access to publicly funded legal advice and advocacy from an early stage;

– Promote “parity of arms”, so families are not left facing the legal resources of the State alone.

This represents the largest expansion of legal aid for inquests in a generation.

What Will The Hillsborough Law Do?

In the Prime Ministers announcement confirming the Hillsborough Law, the legislation is also set to provide the following:

– Establish an enforceable, legal duty of candour on public authorities, public servants and corporations who have a responsibility for public safety.

– Require public authorities, public servants, and corporations to proactively assist investigations, inquests, and inquiries. And enforce sanctions to ensure this is upheld.

– Make a new offence of wilfully failing to discharge the duty to fully assist inquiries or to mislead intentionally or recklessly the public or media.

Greater Access to Legal Aid at Inquests

When the Hillsborough Law comes into force, all bereaved families involved in qualifying inquests will be entitled to legal help, regardless of their financial circumstances.

This means families can receive:

– Advice and support throughout the inquest process;

– Assistance with evidence, disclosure and preparation; and

– Representation at hearings, where appropriate.

The government expects these changes to increase the number of legally aided inquests to over 11,000 cases per year, compared with a few hundred historically.

Why This Matters for Families

Inquests can be legally complex and emotionally overwhelming, particularly where deaths involve hospitals, prisons, the police or other public bodies.

Having access to specialist legal representation can help families:

– Understand what is happening and why;

– Ask the right questions of witnesses and authorities;

– Ensure all relevant evidence is properly examined; and

– Feel confident their loved one’s death is being investigated fairly and thoroughly.

Above all, it helps families feel heard in a process that directly affects their search for answers, accountability and, in many cases, closure.

Jenna Kisala, Senior Solicitor at Howells Solicitors said “When the Hillsborough Law is introduced, legal aid will be more widely available to families for all inquests, whereas previously it was only available with an application for exceptional case funding to the Legal Aid Agency. While we haven’t seen the bill yet, the government has said that when introduced, ALL families will be entitled to legal aid representation. Even those who are not submitting a civil claim.” 

Our Role in Supporting Families at Inquests

At Howells Solicitors, we have extensive experience representing families at inquests, particularly in cases involving public authorities and issues of systemic failure.

We understand that behind every inquest is a family seeking truth, dignity and understanding. As legal aid access expands under the Hillsborough Law, our role will continue to be providing clear, compassionate and independent advice, focused on supporting families through one of the most difficult experiences they will ever face.

If you are facing an upcoming inquest or would like to understand how the Hillsborough Law may affect your right to legal aid, we are here to help.

Learn more about our Inquest team.

Our Inquest Solicitor are led by the well-respected Michelle Gyte and team includes senior legal expert Phillipa Matthews and solicitors Jenna Kisala and Elizabeth Walton who regularly act for families at complex and Article 2 inquests. The team forms a specialist practice group that strongly believes everyone deserves access to justice.

We assist families across England and Wales, including those attending Coroner’s Courts in South Yorkshire and the surrounding regions.

Contact us on  0114 2496611 and one of our advisors will be in touch to discuss your situation.