Criminal legal aid: Proposals for Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme reform

Overview

This consultation sets out proposals and their associated next steps for changes to the criminal legal aid Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS). This scheme remunerates criminal legal aid advocates for their work carried out in the Crown Court. The consultation is aimed at anyone with an interest in criminal legal aid in England and Wales, particularly in the work carried out by criminal legal aid advocates. This will include, but is not limited to:

  • members of the criminal defence profession and their representative bodies
  • defendants
  • academics
  • others involved in the criminal justice system

Closes 26 Aug 2026

Opened 15 Jul 2026

Audiences

  • Charities
  • Citizens
  • Government departments
  • Judiciary
  • Legal professionals

Interests

  • Access to justice
  • Courts
  • Criminal justice
  • Legal aid