Advocates graduated fee scheme

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Background
Final fee scheme announced
Timetable
For more information

Background

In July 2006 Lord Carter of Coles published his review of Legal Aid procurement Legal Aid: A market-based approach to reform. The joint LSC/DCA consultation Legal Aid: a sustainable future followed.

The Carter Review proposed a series of amendments to the Advocate Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS). These amendments cover:

increased base fees
the introduction of two new offence types
a reduction in the number of ancillary payments (also referred to as ‘bolt-on’ payments)
the introduction of a new payment principle that the AGFS payment should be made to a single named advocate (or two named advocates in two counsel cases).

Final fee scheme announced

Proposals for the AGFS met with a positive response from the profession following consultation.

The changes to the AGFS have been further clarified by the LSC and DCA in consultation with the Bar.

The amendments to the AGFS have now been finalised and are detailed in the CDS Funding Order 2007 on the Office of Public Sector Information website.

Timetable

From 30 April 2007 advocates (both barristers and solicitor advocates) may claim these revised fees for representation orders granted by the courts on or after 30 April 2007.

These claims will be processed following the updating of the payment changes on the CREST IT system. The updates will be delivered to all courts on or before 13 August 2007.

For more information

The detail of the revised fee is in the CDS Funding Order on the Office of Public Sector Information website.

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Last updated: 09 December 2009