CDS News

Version 9 CDS14 and 15 Forms will be available from 1 February 2012.

The new forms will replace the current version (8) which is dated April 2011.

Version 8 forms will continue to be accepted for three months after the current stock is exhausted.

Based on current order volumes, we expect that this stock will run down by the end of February.

The next LSC Update (19 January) will include information on the cut off point for acceptance of version 8 forms. 

Changes

There are some significant changes to the forms both in terms of design and how the forms are to be used. These changes should reduce:

• delays to processing applications that can cause cases to be adjourned
• the resource implications of double handling rejected forms.

Probably the most significant change is that the CDS14 has been expanded so that applicants whose joint income is below the lower income threshold, who do not own property and who have no capital, will only need to complete a CDS14.

Because of the significant changes to the forms, version 8 and version 9 cannot be used together in one application.

A new form, the CDS 15C has also been created for applicants to provide further information about their financial circumstances where there is not enough room on the CDS 15.

Manual updated

To support the release of the new forms, the Criminal Legal Aid Manual (CLAM) has been updated to include, but not limited to, a revised version of the CDS 14 / 15 Forms Guidance.

You should follow the Forms Guidance as it makes clear what we expect in terms of Interests of Justice and financial declarations. It will also enable you to understand what we expect in terms of completeness. 

The CLAM will in future only be available online and the link to the manual will be provided in the next Update.

Further information

Email CDSforms@legalservices.gsi.gov.uk