Crown court means testing

On this page:

Introducing means testing in the Crown Court
Consultation response published
Recovery of Defence Costs Orders
For more information

Introducing means testing in the Crown Court

Means testing underpins the government’s commitment to the principle that those that can afford to pay for their defence should do so.

It also ensures that best use is made of taxpayers money and that limited resources can be used to help those most in need.

Those who cannot afford to pay for their defence should receive public funding.

The introduction of a contributory scheme in the Crown Court is part of a Ministry of Justice and LSC backed initiative. It will support the move to a more efficient, effective and streamlined criminal justice system.

Consultation response published

The Government's response to the consultation on Crown Court means testing and central funds reforms was published on Monday 8 June 2009.

Visit the Crown Court means testing consultation pages for:

the response document
impact assessment
and Q&A document.

The joint consultation between the LSC and the Ministry of Justice closed on 29 Jan 09.

The 12-week consultation closed on the 29 January 2009 and 47 responses were received. Over 60 practitioners attended the events, which not only proves their level of interest, but also their commitment to help shape the process.

Recovery of Defence Costs Orders

We have made these clearer and more efficient.

For more information

View the consultation on the Ministry of Justice website.

Read more about the proposals on the CDS > Criminal legal aid eligibility pages.

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Last updated: 08 September 2009