Press Release

Increased demand for Crime Unified Contract

28 May 2008

Following the recent application process, a total of 1799 firms have been awarded a Unified Contract (Crime) July 2008.  2333 offices were included in these applications, ensuring full coverage for police stations and courts across every region of England and Wales.  This represents an increase of 8% in the number of offices contracted to undertake publicly-funded defence services.

The new 18-month contract will apply to legal aid firms across England and Wales from 14 July 2008.

52 new firms were awarded contracts, incorporating 53 new offices. 46 new offices were also included in applications from existing firms, leading to a rise in the total number of offices carrying out criminal legal aid work. We also received 713 offers from firms interested in expanding their legal aid work in their scheme area or other areas.

Derek Hill, Director of the Criminal Defence Service, said: “I know that criminal solicitors have been dealing with many changes recently and appreciate their continued dedication and hard work. The new contract will provide a period of certainty for criminal legal aid providers.

“I am pleased that the majority of firms have chosen to apply and that so many are willing to expand. Equally the number of new firms seeking to establish criminal practices shows that there is an interest in taking on legal aid work and they see it as profitable. I look forward to continuing to work with all criminal legal aid providers to ensure the success of the reform programme.”

Changes to the new Crime Unified Contract include:

    * A new method for reconciling standard monthly payments that provides more certainty and stability for providers
    * Removal of the requirement to record travel costs and time in relation to matters dealt with under fixed fees
    * Removal of automatic financial penalties for claims submitted more than three months late
    * Limiting the LSC’s powers to amend the contract to changes arising from external developments in the law or criminal justice system and other minor changes as well as errors or omissions that we correct with agreement of the Law Society.

Providers have already been informed if their application has been successful.  The corresponding Duty Solicitor rotas and slot allocations will be issued on, or around, 14 June, to commence on 14 July 2008.