ICYMI: We published Jamie Bell's analysis of a significant Upper Tribunal decision rejecting the argument that National Age Assessment Board decisions deserve special weight. The ruling reaffirms that settled principles, including benefit of the doubt, apply whoever conducts the assessment.
No special weight to be given to National Age Assessment Board decisions as tribunal finds assessment ‘quite wrong’ - Free Movement
The Upper Tribunal has rejected the Home Office’s argument that special weight should be afforded to age assessments carried out by the National Age
freemovement.org.uk
![17.In relation to the availability of legal advice and legal aid, the Home Office said:
“The availability of legal aid is not affected by these changes to the Immigration Rules. [ … ] Individuals will continue to have the opportunity to seek legal advice and representation in the same way as other asylum applicants. The Government recognises the wider challenges that have been identified in relation to immigration legal aid provision. However, those issues are not created by, nor specific to, the Merged Registration process. The policy has been designed to operate within the existing legal aid framework while maintaining appropriate procedural safeguards.
Claimants selected for Merged Registration will be notified in advance that they have been selected for the process. The policy does not require legal representation before an interview can take place, reflecting the position in the standard asylum interview process. However, individuals will continue to be able to access legal advice before and after an interview, provide supporting evidence and make representations relevant to their claim.”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k5romrv547iiifovvssafmqo/bafkreibllacoxdxvhk62si2la66klhlezdhumxwa4x6fnvo53nlrpzqzte)
