CDS news

Today we published our response to our consultation on best value tendering (BVT) for criminal defence services.

After listening to over 1000 providers and representative bodies who attended our consultation events and analysing the 202 formal responses, we have committed to:

• undertake further work on the design of a pilot for a competitive system and consult on this towards the end of the year with an updated impact assessment
• maintain the present system of fixed fees while work is undertaken on designing and, if introduced, assessing an effective competitive process
• carry out no further work at present on the option of an expanded Public Defender Service.

Second consultation due later this year

The second consultation will contain detailed proposals on the operation of a competitive system in up to two pilot areas, and will seek to address in detail the main concerns raised by respondents. 

The next 12 months for criminal legal aid

Today we also published a route map of important criminal legal aid developments due to take place in the next 12 months. This is subject to the outcome of the second consultation and if a decision is taken to proceed with BVT.

Read our press release issued today on our website.