LAA Responds To AGFS Consultation

LAA Responds To AGFS Consultation

In early 2017, the Ministry of Justice consulted on proposed reforms to the Advocates Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS). The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has now published the Government's response to the consultation's findings.

The Government believes that change is needed to better reward 'work done' and to reflect the reality of the modern criminal justice system, and intends to proceed with a revised AGFS that better emphasises these points. To this end, the Government plan to lay a Statutory Instrument in Parliament to bring these reforms into effect, targeting an implementation date of 1 April 2018.

You can read the full response here.

Meanwhile, the LAA has said it will be launching a further consultation regarding the inclusion of Crown Court advocacy in the 14 hour rule, a requirement in crime contracts that duty solicitors carry out 14 hours of contract work per week for the office for which their duty slots have been obtained. We will provide further information about this new consultation when it becomes available.