CDS News

Now that the Crown Court means testing scheme has been implemented nationally, we need to gather more detailed information of your experiences so far.

We have already been talking to various stakeholder groups such as the Provider Reference Groups, but would also like to hear about your individual experiences. We've launched a survey  which closes on the 10 September.

Can you please take a few minutes to answer these questions. Your views are greatly appreciated. You can respond to the survey by visiting the LSC website at https://survey.legalservices.gov.uk/consult.ti/system/calendar

Background

The Criminal Defence Service (CDS) Act 2006 provides for the reintroduction of means testing and contributions for defendants in criminal proceedings. Means testing for legal aid in the Crown Court follows the introduction of a similar scheme in 2006, which has now been successfully embedded in the magistrates' court.

The Crown Court means testing (CCMT) project aimed to implement the designed means testing scheme for the higher criminal court.

The new scheme covers Crown Court trials, Appeals to the Crown Court and Committal for Sentences. It seeks to secure upfront payments from defendants, and then recoup further payments post conviction from capital assets, where disposable income or assets are in excess of the defined thresholds.

The scheme was first implemented on 11 January in five early adopter Crown Courts and their committing magistrates' courts.

These Crown Courts were Preston, Bradford, Norwich, Swansea and Blackfriars.

The scheme was then implemented nationally, starting on 12 April and concluding on 28 June.