CLS news

Revisions to the amounts LSC contributes towards providers’ accreditation costs come into effect from the start of the 2010 contracts (14 July 2010 for Crime and 14 October 2010 for Civil categories). 

The changes help to make the scheme more affordable, rational and targeted than the previous arrangements.

They bring one additional panel into the contribution scheme, and confirming that contributions will be available for Immigration reaccreditation.

Revised LSC contributions towards accreditation schemes

The accreditation schemes that the LSC contribute towards are set out in Annex B.

Under the new system, where there are several acceptable routes to accreditation, we will pay the lowest value of the following:

• 100% of the cost of the cheapest route; or
• 50% the cost of any more expensive route.

The contribution is based on current costs, and we do not propose to increase it if accreditation bodies put their costs up. 

The LSC will now contribute £200 towards providers’ accreditation costs for the Family Mediation Council accreditation scheme, and £125 towards the Law Society’s Immigration Level 1,2 and supervisor immigration reaccreditation scheme.

The Law Society is currently developing re accreditation for their Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme.  Once the reaccreditation process has been developed, the LSC will decide whether it is able to include it within the contribution scheme..

Fixed Budget

Accreditation reimbursements will be paid from a fixed annual budget, which we anticipate being sufficient to meet demand.

However, if funds run out before the end of a financial year, claims will be put on hold and processed at the start of the following financial year, provided that new funds are made available. 

A provider can claim for an accredited individual who undertakes legal aid work in the relevant category at the time of application to be reimbursed for one accreditation – and any subsequent reaccreditations. 

The provider will have 6 months to claim a reimbursement from the date of their accreditation or reaccreditation.

For further information

Email us,  or visit the accreditation pages on the website.