Updated: Updated training slides for Prison Law work published.
Latest update 16 February 2018 – updated training slides for Prison Law workThe LAA has made changes to the 2017 Standard Crime Contract and associated training materials to reflect the inclusion of certain types of prison law work within the scope of legal aid. These changes arise from the Criminal Legal Aid (Amendment) Regulations 2017 which come into force on 21 February 2018.
ContractThe 2017 standard crime contract governs the provision of criminal legal aid services.
The 2017 standard crime contract consists of 4 documents:
Standard terms Specification Schedule Contract for signature Standard termsThe standard terms govern the commercial relationship between the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) and legal aid providers.
SpecificationThis sets out the rules for carrying out publicly funded criminal defence work in England and Wales. The rates for this work can be found in legal aid legislation.
Clarifications to SpecificationFollowing the FAQ process we have made 2 clarifications to the specification to make clear that:
The 20 magistrates’ court representations required of a supervisor in a 12 month period may include representation of a client during a magistrates’ court duty session. In these circumstances 1 duty session will count as a single representation.
Duty scheme members must have at least 1 duty solicitor registered on each duty scheme they are a member of, and that ceasing to meet this requirement would ordinarily see a provider removed from the scheme.
Sample scheduleThis sets out provisions specific to individual providers. Use the sample schedule for illustration as schedules vary between providers.
Sample contract for signatureThe contract for signature gives effect to the 2017 contract as a whole. Use the sample contract for signature for illustration as they vary between providers.
Associated contract documents Category definitionsThis sets out the legal definitions of each category of law covered by the 2017 standard crime contract.
Supervisor declaration forms and guidanceThese documents set out the requirements that supervisors must satisfy.
Monthly payment protocolThis is the document that sets out the LAA approach to reconciliation and review and amendment of monthly payments due under the specification of the 2017 standard crime contract.
Further documents Specialist Quality Mark standard and guidance Indemnities and guarantee forms Data security requirements and guidance Equality and diversity guidance Criminal Bills Assessment Manual Independent Peer Review guidance Lord Chancellor’s Guidance (under section 4 of LASPO)https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/standard-crime-contract-2017
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