CDS News

Some key findings include:

• LGFS is saving 1.6%
• There has been an unexpected growth in Very High Cost (Crime) Cases remunerated under the LGFS – excluding these cases, the LGFS is saving 6%
• There have been significant variations in spend on certain case and offence types
• The scheme provides greater efficiency than the previous scheme however the LSC has had to introduce alternative validation methods to prevent misclaiming and overpayments.

All of the key findings and recommendations are contained in the final report which can be found on the LGFS pages. 

Background to the review

The LGFS was introduced in January 2008. It was agreed during the consultation process that the LSC would review the scheme at an early stage.

The review group consisted of representatives from the: 

• LSC 
• MoJ 
• HMCS 
• The Law Society 
• the Bar Council 
• London Criminal Courts Solicitors' Association 
• Legal Aid Practitioners Group 
• Criminal Law Solicitors Association and;
• Solicitors Association for Higher Court Advocates. 

The LSC is grateful to all of the members of the group who have, since August 2008, been working together to undertake this review. 

The review group’s recommendations paper has been incorporated into the final report but can also be found on the LGFS Pages.

Further Information

If you have any queries, please contact the LSC on 020 7783 7460.