Changes to remuneration for legal aid services

Closed 1 Dec 2014

Opened 10 Nov 2014

Contact

Christine.Okiya@justice.gsi.gov.uk

Results updated 29 Jan 2015

On 13 March 2014, the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (ASBCPA) received Royal Assent.  The Act introduces a number of new injunctions and orders, including a series of orders to prevent sexual harm and criminal behaviour, all of which require legal aid.  

In November 2014, the government consulted on proposals to make necessary changes to the legal aid payment schemes to coincide with the implementation of Part 1 of the Act early this year. 

The reforms sought to ensure that legal aid providers were paid appropriately for the new injunctions within the framework of the existing schemes. This would mean paying them for applications for and appeals against a Part 1 injunction at the current standard civil legal aid rates for legal help and legal representation, including travel and waiting time. 

For breach of a Part 1 injunction, payment would be at the fixed fees applicable in the magistrates court under the criminal legal aid scheme, including travel and waiting time.  

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Overview

On 13 March 2014, the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (ASBCPA) received Royal Assent. The Act introduces a number of new Injunctions and orders, including a series of orders to prevent sexual harm, criminal behaviour orders and injuctions under Part 1 all of which require legal aid.  

The Government proposes changes to the legal aid remuenration schemes to coincide with the implementation of Part 1 of the Act early next year. 

The reforms proposed aim to ensure that appropriate remuneration is made to legal aid providers for the new injunctions within the framework of the existing scheme by remunerating all applications for and appeals against a Part 1 injunction at the current standard civil legal aid rates for legal help and legal representation, including travel and waiting time (where appropriate). 

For breach of a Part 1 injunction, remuneration would be made at the fixed fee rates applicable in the magistrates court under the criminal legal aid scheme, including travel and waiting time (where appropriate). 

Audiences

  • Legal professionals

Interests

  • Legal aid