Rushed bidding process for criminal legal aid risks deepening crisis

Key decisions on the future of criminal legal aid must be taken before expecting firms to bid for new 10-year contracts, the Law Society of England and Wales has warned.*

“We think it is wrong that the tender requires firms to bid before the UK government outlines its response to the judicial review judgment, and the consultation on police station and youth court fees, which would see a 2% rise in rates for defence solicitors,” said Law Society vice president Richard Atkinson.**

“Both decisions are well overdue and we have stressed the urgent need for clarity direct with ministers and the Legal Aid Agency.

"How can firms make a sound business decision to bid for a new contract, especially one lasting 10 years, without knowing whether these bare minimum criminal legal aid rate increases will ever happen?

“Criminal legal aid is a vital public service which ensures access to justice for all and the smooth running of our criminal justice system. However, there will be nobody left to do this crucial work in 10 years unless the government invests in criminal legal aid.

“If the Ministry of Justice does not demonstrate very swiftly that it is serious about making criminal legal aid work sustainable, we will advise our members that there is no future in this work.”

Notes to editors

*Find out about the crime tender process

**Details of the crime lower consultation and the Law Society’s judicial review.

About the Law Society

The Law Society is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.

Press office contact: Nick Mayo | 020 8049 4100