Supporting the introduction of the single Family Court – Proposed changes to Family legal aid remuneration schemes

Overview

This consultation sets out the Government’s proposals for amendments to the current family legal aid remuneration schemes in England and Wales, which are required as a result of the planned introduction of the new single Family Court (FC).

We anticipate that the proposals set out in this consultation would, if implemented as proposed, have no impact on legal aid recipients and no or minimal impact on provider income or the legal aid fund.

Supporting the introduction of the single Family Court – Proposed changes to Family legal aid remuneration schemes - consultation

Views are invited on the questions contained in this tool.

Proposals for reform  

Chapter 3 sets out proposed amendments to the three main family remuneration schemes (Family Legal Aid Scheme Framework (FLASF)).

Payment levels in each of the schemes are currently based on the existing tiers of court which will not be applicable in the new FC. This proposal therefore sets out an alternative basis for payments under the new court structure.
 
Chapter 4 seeks initial views (Court Bundle Payments issue) on potential changes to the current bolt-on fees payable under the Family Advocacy Scheme (FAS) that may be necessary should the anticipated change to the Practice Direction (PD) on court bundle payments be introduced.