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There has been much publicity around a number of legal challenges – actual or proposed – to various aspects of the legal aid reform programme. The LSC is concerned that this publicity may have given rise to a degree of uncertainty amongst providers about the implementation of these changes.

Given this, we believe it would be helpful to all our providers to summarise the current position in regard to these challenges and the implications for the implementation of the reforms.

Following five judicial review challenges to the legal aid reform programme, the programme continues as planned.

• Fixed fees will be introduced as planned in October.
• The Very High Cost Cases policy remains in place.
• LSC has shown “due regard” to our statutory responsibilities in respect of race equality issues. 
• Fixed fees for travel and waiting at magistrates’ court remain as set.
• Consultations have been conducted lawfully.

Read the full detail of the challenges, outcomes and the LSC's responses in the document below.

Full detail of judicial review challenges and outcomes - Jul 07 (30 kb)