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        <title>Crime news from the LSC</title>
        <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news.asp</link>
        <description>The latest news and updates.</description>
        <language>en-gb</language>
        <lastBuildDate>02 February 2012 13:10</lastBuildDate>
        <copyright>Copyright: (C) Legal Services Commission, see http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/disclaimer.asp for terms and conditions of reuse</copyright>
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        <ttl>15</ttl>
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            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news.asp</link>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Guidance on new CDS 14 and 15 forms]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Advice to avoid forms being rejected]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13461.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Income contribution arrears to be collected after cases conclude]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC to enforce Income Contribution Orders if client is in arrears when case ends]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13458.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New CDS forms from 1 February]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Version 9 CDS14, 15 and 15C accepted if dated from 1 Feb]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13459.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Claiming the evidence provision fee]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Clarification on when you can claim the evidence provision fee]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13462.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Your feedback needed on training modules]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Survey open for feedback on legal aid remuneration changes training]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13457.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New payment arrangements]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Two new payment arrangements give providers a choice about how they’ll get paid.]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13397.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Criminal Legal Aid Manual updated]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New version introduced from 1 February]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13393.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC systems shut down for move]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC IT systems and website will be unavailable from 3 to 6 February]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13398.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Version 9 CDS 14 and 15 forms introduced from February 2012]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Preview forms now available]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13392.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Reading office has moved]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Make sure you update your records]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13399.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Provider Reference Group events start February 2012]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Your chance for dialogue with senior managers from the LSC at events across England and Wales]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13400.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Technical problem with online financial statements resolved]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13396.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Change in hardship review process]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Hardship applications should now be submitted to the courts]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13370.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New civil and crime forms available to preview]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Forms amended for February 2012 update available for preview]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13366.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Payments to providers]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Next payment run will be split over Friday 6 January and Monday 9 January]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13374.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New CDS forms coming]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Version 9 CDS 14 & 15 forms to be introduced February 2012]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13368.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New version of Criminal Legal Aid Manual]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Criminal Legal Aid Manual to be updated in February 2012]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13369.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Online financial statements]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Update on progress with technical issues ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13360.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Criminal justice system efficiency programme]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Progress update on the roll-out of the CJS Efficiency Programme]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13358.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CWA Claim Amendments]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New process introduced where some amendments can be sent directly to the LSC.]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13326.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Correspondence for the Nottingham National Courts Team]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Clarifying the address of the Nottingham National Courts Team]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13325.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CDS Direct tender - deadline reminder]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Tender closes at midday on Friday 23 December 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13324.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Online financial statements: technical problem with data]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Value of some claims is understated when providers check online]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13317.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Refund of contributions]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Clarifying when your client can seek a refund for income contributions they have made]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13282.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CDS Direct tender – deadline reminder]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The deadline for submitting PQQ responses is 12 noon on 23 December  2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13286.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CDS Direct tender opens]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Deadline for PQQs is 23 December]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13275.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New 'priority returns' system when rejecting applications]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA['Priority return' slips return work to front of queue if missing information could not have been known by provider]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13241.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Judicial apportionment orders]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Important information if your client is to pay a proportion of final defence costs]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13242.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Collection and enforcement of contributions]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Next steps if your client is in arrears with their contributions]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13240.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Backlog reductions: customer service helpline hours and emergency certificates]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Extensions for change to helpline hours and emergency certificate timescales]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13239.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Sir Bill Callaghan: value of positive discussions on quality assurance]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Speech to annual conference of the Solicitors’ Association of Higher Court Advocates]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13222.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Pages of prosecution evidence and digital working]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Funding Order now allows paper documents converted into electronic format and served by the prosecution to be included in pages of prosecution evidence]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13211.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Duty solicitor membership for January 2012]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New duty solicitor scheme membership lists to be published on 17 November 2011 ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13199.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Legal aid reform - questions on fees]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Answers to questions about the new rates introduced in October 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13179.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crime lower claims: common errors]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We look at crime lower claims as part of our efforts to reduce common payment claim errors]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13174.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Indictable only offences in the Youth Court]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Fee payments and work on indictable only offences resulting in guilty pleas in the Youth Court]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13181.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Version 1.13 of bulkload spreadsheet to be launched 21 October 2011]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Important information regarding new bulkload spreadsheet following legal aid reform changes]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13141.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Workshop tips to help us work together better]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[An LSC workshop proved popular with delegates at the recent Legal Aid Practitioners Group annual conference]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13138.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Duty solicitor rota applications]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Applications for the next duty solicitor rotas need to be submitted by 5pm 14 November 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13142.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Time limits for submitting LGFS claims]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Late submission of Litigator Graduated Fee Scheme claims can cause problems when final defence costs are calculated]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13144.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Legal aid reform: committal for trial fees]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Committal for trial fees can no longer be claimed unless the rep order was granted between 6 April 2010 and 2 October 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13145.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Online training to help you understand impact of fee changes]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Reminder that help available following introduction of new fees on 3 October 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13134.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crime lower providers submitting claims for exceptional cases]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Clarification of the process crime lower providers need to follow for claims in exceptional cases]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13146.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Sir Bill Callaghan: ‘constructive solutions in a difficult climate’]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Chair Sir Bill Callaghan highlights to LAPG conference the benefits of dialogue at a time of significant change]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13132.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Legal aid reform: fee changes take effect today]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[All the information on changes to civil, crime and experts' remuneration rates]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13115.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Legal aid reform: new fees from 3 October 2011]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Rates are changing for civil, crime and experts’ fees]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13096.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[What we’re doing to speed up processing work]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Extra staff among initiatives to help reduce backlogs]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13093.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Legal aid reform: sign up for training on fee changes]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Online training is available to help providers avoid delays to payments through incorrect claims]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13095.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Payments to experts: guidelines on timescales]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Importance of paying your experts on time]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13065.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes to criminal legal aid manual]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Legal aid reforms being implemented on 3 October 2011 mean that changes need to be made to the Criminal Legal Aid Manual]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13058.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Processing dates – check online before calling]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Our processing dates are now just a click away and are being updated more frequently]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13064.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Vacancies for Independent Cost Assessors in north east]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Join our independent review panel looking at decisions made by the LSC]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13057.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[You can save time and money with eForms]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[POA applications and CDS4s are being paid more quickly via eForms on LSC Online]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13060.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes to criminal legal aid manual]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Legal aid reforms being implemented on 3 October 2011 mean that changes need to be made to the Criminal Legal Aid Manual]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13045.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Legal aid reform remuneration ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Significant fee changes to be implemented on 3 Oct 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13028.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New civil and crime forms available to preview]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Forms amended for October 2011 update available for preview]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12993.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New guidance explaining our approach to audits]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Explaining our goals for auditing between now and March 2012]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13008.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[How to avoid errors when assessing client’s means]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Introducing the first in a series of articles highlighting common errors made when making payment claims]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13001.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Provider Reference Group meetings attended by 1,000 providers]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[69% say the PRG events met their expectations and a summary of the discussions is available for download]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13007.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Contract amendments to implement fee changes]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Revised fees to be implemented on 3 October 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_13010.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Improvements to the LSC website]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Feedback from providers leads to homepage redesign and commitment to make further enhancements]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12994.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[s51 hearings treated as standard appearances under the Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[s51 claims continue on same basis following MoJ consultation on CDS Funding Order]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12967.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New crime lower reporting requirement for CWA]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance for Magistrates’ Court standard fee claims entered in Contracted Work and Administration (CWA)]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12936.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Save time and money with eForms]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Sign up to the LSC Online eForms system which has been rolled out nationally]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12901.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Duty solicitor July rotas now online]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The July 2011 duty solicitor rotas for police stations and courts are now available online]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12903.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Chester office no longer processes crime bills]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Where to send your CDS4, 5, and 7 forms]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12902.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Version 8 CDS forms 14, 15 and 16  now mandatory]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Version 7 CDS forms were withdrawn on 31 July 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12904.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Customer service helpline hours and electronic working]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New customer service helpline opening hours from 25 July 2011 and the importance of using our e-form service]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12876.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Version 8 CDS forms mandatory from 1 August 2011]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Cut-off date for version 7 forms is 31 July 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12862.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New approach to tackling domestic violence]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance for providers working in areas covered by police in Greater Manchester, Wiltshire and West Mercia]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12815.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes to Contract Compliance Audits]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Reducing administration and speeding up the process]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12811.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Court ruling on police bail laws: guidance for providers]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance available to help providers understand effect of decision on billing criminal legal aid cases]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12816.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Fee changes from 3 October 2011]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Details of changes to civil (non-family), crime and experts' remuneration ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12795.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court payment delays: IT solution and guidance for providers]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Update on processing fixes and guidance for providers produced after discussions with the Law Society]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12794.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Legal aid reform: consultation response and Bill published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill was published on 21 June 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12792.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC relaunches Provider Reference Groups ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New PRG meetings to be held in summer]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12787.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CDS4, CDS5 and CDS7 applications must go to Nottingham]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Work continues on making Nottingham the crime processing centre ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12776.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Calculators for new AGFS rates]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Calculators now available online for the new Scheme 7 rates for AGFS claims]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12777.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[IT solution being tested to end delays to Crown Court claims]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Processing fix being assessed and expected to be in place by the end of June]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12778.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Give us your feedback on collecting equal opportunities information]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Your ideas will help inform an LSC review on information you collect for us]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12772.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New quality guides available now]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Latest editions of Improving Your Quality Guides can be viewed and downloaded ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12734.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[AGFS claim forms: version 1 valid until 30 June 2011]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Continuing delays to supply of version 2 AGFS forms]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12735.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Where to send processing work from 30 May]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Arrangements for crime authority requests, civil applications and claims]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12724.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Range of leaflets to be reduced]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Two leaflets to give legal aid applicants will continue but other information available online]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12725.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Travel and accommodation claims: clarification]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Mileage rates and how advocates can gain prior approval for expenses claims]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12720.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Version 8 CDS forms mandatory from 1 August]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Version 7 forms to be withdrawn on 31 July 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12718.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Duty solicitor rotas deadline]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Apply by 5pm, Friday 13 May 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12690.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Help us cut delays to criminal legal aid means testing decisions]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Use the guidance for criminal means testing cases and help reduce waiting times for legal aid decisions]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12680.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[AGFS transfer to LSC completes on 18 April]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[On 18 April 2011 AGFS processing work for London and South East switches to the LSC]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12679.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[ABE transcripts to count as pages of prosecution evidence]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Agreement between the LSC, MoJ and CPS, to amend the CDS Funding Order]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12604.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Our policy on travel and accommodation claims]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Clarification of travel and accommodation payments under legal aid]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12602.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New civil and crime forms from 4 April]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Remember to use new and updated forms from 4 April 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12596.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Importance of self-validating new matter starts on CWA]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Accurate reporting helps our business efficiency and monitoring of demand for legal services]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12599.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Young legal aid solicitor of the year award]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[You have until 27 April 2011 to make a nomination]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12600.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Community Legal Advice and LSC websites – latest news]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Update on the web convergence programme]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12576.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Updated CDS forms come into effect on 4 April]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Version 8 CDS14, CDS15 and CDS16 forms being sent to duty solicitors  ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12567.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes in CWA reporting from April 2011]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New rules for both Crime Lower and Civil Legal Help reporting through CWA]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12566.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Improving Your Quality Guide – Crime: new edition published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Updated Quality Guide issued to reflect current legal position]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12564.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Civil and crime forms to be used from 4 April 2011]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New and updated forms for use from 4 April 2011 are available on the LSC website]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12523.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Outsourcing of SQM audits takes effect]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[External contractor SQM Delivery Partnership now responsible for Specialist Quality Mark audit services]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12519.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[How you can help reduce call centre waiting times]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Your support needed to improve our telephone service for all providers]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12521.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LGFS: Committal for sentence payments]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Clarification of payment of committal for sentence fees after Costs Judge upholds appeal]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12524.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tribunals Service asks mental health providers to use secure email service]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Use of Criminal Justice Secure Email is backed by the LSC]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12517.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Payments under AGFS for Crown Court work]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Change to payment processing arrangements for AGFS Crown Court work in the North West, North East and the Midlands]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12499.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court billing: hardship process for &pound;10k-plus claims]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New financial hardship process to help providers affected by Crown Court billing issues]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12502.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Facing up to our responsibilities on legal aid]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC Chair Sir Bill Callaghan says improving the legal aid system is an ongoing challenge for everyone involved]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12488.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CCLF Online temporarily unavailable for maintenance work]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Important system maintenance from 7pm Friday 4 February to 7am Monday 7 February ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12463.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Sorting out Crown Court billing problems]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[You can help resolve payment difficulties by following the correct process for work in the Crown Court]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12464.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[AGFS payments and address change for litigator fee claims ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Processing, validation and payment of claims under the Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme is being transferred from HMCS to LSC]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12460.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[PPE form to be withdrawn]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Pages of Prosecution Evidence form to be discontinued following agreement between the LSC and Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS)]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12465.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Payment for work in the Crown Court]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Invalid representation orders causing processing difficulties]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12335.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes to Community Legal Advice website and materials]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Making it easier for the public to access information and help]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12343.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC takes on AGFS claims ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Phased transfer from HMCS begins on 7 February 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12326.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Information to be released on Prison Law cases]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Firms undertaking prison law cases named in FOI response]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12238.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Claiming your Crown Court litigator fees correctly]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Following our guidance will ensure more litigator fees are processed successfully]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12237.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Only one account number for legal aid cases]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Solicitors need to note that it is mandatory to use only one account number for the life of a case]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12229.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Outsourcing of Specialist Quality Mark audits]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[SQM Delivery Partnership to start contacting providers in December 2010]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12227.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tips to help solve backlog of legal aid applications]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Legal aid forms need to be filled in correctly to help tackle London delays]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12225.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Verifying the evidence provision fee]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Advice and guidance available]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12213.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Submitting financial eligibility correctly on CDS1]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Following guidance will reduce rejected claims]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12214.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New LSC forms mandatory from 15 November]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Make sure you're using the new versions]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12210.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes to the hardship process in magistrates’ courts]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[More applicants eligible for legal aid]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12141.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New CDS14 and CDS15 mandatory from 15 Nov]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes reflected in criminal legal aid manual]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12136.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New home for LSC websites]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC working with MoJ to move all our web content to the Justice and Directgov websites]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12138.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes to the Crown Court Litigator Fee system (CCLF)]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New LF1 form (version 5) mandatory from 15 November ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12108.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Vital role of legal aid in our society]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC Chair Sir Bill Callaghan speaks about importance of legal aid at 2010 CLSA conference]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12080.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Public Bodies Bill – LSC’s future status]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC included in October 14 Written Ministerial Statement on Public Bodies Review Programme]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12069.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Income sanctions and legal aid in the Crown Court]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Failure to provide evidence of income will now result in sanctions]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12039.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Revised timetable for AGFS processing changes]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Claims to be handled by HMCS until early 2011]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12031.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Applications open for new duty solicitor rotas]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Deadline for submissions - 8 Nov 2010]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12029.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CCMT survey now closed]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Thank you to those who responded]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12009.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC to publish revised duty rotas]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New rotas issued for Oct to Jan]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_12008.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court means testing implementation review]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC seeks solicitors' experiences for post implementation report]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11928.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Rejected applications for legal aid cause delays in funding decisions]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC publishes guidance to help solicitors and reduce reject rates]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11930.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Judicial apportionment form now available]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New form can be downloaded from LSC website]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11929.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC conducts eTendering survey]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Evaluation being undertaken following electronic tenders for crime and civil contracts]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11923.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes made to Crown Court Litigator Fee system]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The online Crown Court billing system has been revised following the implementation of CCMT]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11886.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Very High Cost Cases (VHCC) guidance]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance published to support the new arrangements that came into force in July 2010]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11836.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Practice direction and criminal procedure rules]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[An important update for providers]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11838.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mailout of crime 2010 schedules]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We are aware that some providers recently received their Crime 2010 schedules from LSC Online earlier than planned]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11833.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LGFS Post Implementation Review]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The LSC has published the Litigator Graduated Fee Scheme Post Implementation Review]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11837.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Litigator Graduated Fee Scheme – PPE guidance ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Update following comments in R v Ibefune]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11780.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Claiming the evidence provision fee]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Interim guidance published]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11778.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Delays occurring with BACS statements]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Payments are unaffected by delays]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11765.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC publishes list of relationship managers]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Providers can search for their RM by region]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11770.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Submitting claims under the Litigator Graduated Fee Scheme]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Clarification on out of time Crown Court claims]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11726.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New Very High Cost (Crime) Cases scheme]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[VHCC accreditation scheme started on 14 July]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11721.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Duty Solicitor rotas for crime contracts 2010]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New rotas published for July crime contracts]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11679.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[SMP reconciliation for civil (legal help) and crime (lower) work]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Revision to Standard Monthly Payments affecting solicitor contract holders]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11647.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[MoJ announces consultation on provision of courts services]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Consultation on potential court closures closes on 15 Sept]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11654.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Advocate Graduated Fee Scheme claims to be transferred to LSC]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[All Representation Orders from 27 April to go to LSC in the autumn]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11652.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC reviews training contract grants]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC has decided not to award new training contract grants this year]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11649.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[2010 Standard Criminal Contract – important announcement]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Urgent deadline for additional contract information]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11656.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Police station schemes - new duty lists]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Revised draft lists of duty scheme membership published ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11483.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC CEO writes to providers about payment]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Majority of bills paid within published times]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11591.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Training events for prison lawyers to start soon]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New arrangements for prison law work]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11578.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New legal aid powers for court staff]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes apply to decisons made after 6 April 2010]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11577.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[London joins Crown Court means test roll out]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Capital last to sign up to means testing programme]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11580.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Loss of legal aid colleague in Cumbria]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC sends condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Kevin Commons]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11479.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[VHCC consultation begins]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Consultation starts with Law Society and Bar Council on VHCC arrangements for 2010]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11482.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court means testing - last call for training]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Final CCMT training in London on June 11]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11478.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Litigator graduated fee claims - a clarification]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Three month deadline applies to CCMT arrangements]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11454.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC Online is changing]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Improvements at end June]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11443.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court means testing - roll-out nearly complete]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Final go-live in June]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11451.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[VHCC consultation results]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Panel scheme to go]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11441.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes to the LSC manual]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New and updated]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11436.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Criminal legal aid applications]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance produced on how to prevent criminal legal aid applications being rejected]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11409.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court means testing – roll-out reaches halfway]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The roll-out of Crown Court means testing in England and Wales has reached the halfway stage]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11406.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[File review of experts’ costs in legal aid work]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The Ministry of Justice seeks support from civil and criminal legal aid solicitors in a data collection exercise to examine costs paid to expert witnesses]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11407.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Help us to help you better]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We want to know what you think about our service]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11379.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CDS12 deadline extended]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[4pm on Friday 7 May is the new deadline for receipt of forms]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11378.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Delivery transformation roll-out in May]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Roll-out phased by region]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11380.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New criminal legal aid forms coming into effect]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New Version 6 forms CDS14 and CDS15 and the revised pages of the Criminal Legal Aid Manual are being sent to courts and solicitors]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11353.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Rolling out the Delivery Transformation Programme]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[eforms pilot now extended to include the CDS5 and CDS7 forms]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11352.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court means testing goes national]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Book your place on upcoming training events]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11294.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Customer satisfaction survey]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We want to know what providers think about the service we deliver to them]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11354.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court - double shift sittings project]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The Crown Court sitting in Croydon is to test the concept of double shift court sittings for a period of six months]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11351.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Either way cases funding process]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes to magistrates' court means testing from April 6 will impact on either way cases]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11290.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Validation of Pages of Prosecution Evidence]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The LSC still requires objective evidence of the PPE on all claims made under the LGFS]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11310.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Quality Assurance for Advocates discussion paper]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The closing date for responses is Monday May 10]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11312.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update to forms masterpack]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Remember to update your desktop shortcuts so you have access to the latest versions]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11317.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New arrangements for committals for trial]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes come into effect on 6 April]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11298.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Multi-defendant claims and PPE evidence]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Advice on helping us to process your claims quicker]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11289.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Defence Solicitor Call Centre]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[An update on the transfer of service provider]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11278.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Advice on submitting LF1 claims]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Some things to bear in mind when submitting claims under the Litigator Fee scheme]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11231.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Very High Cost Cases policy statement]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11233.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Training dates for Crown Court means testing]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Training dates announced in advance of national roll-out]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11219.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New Service Provider for Defence Solicitor Call Centre]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New provider takes over on 1 April]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11218.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[2010 contracts tender process]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[An important update on deadlines for pre-qualification questionnaires]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11207.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Ministry of Justice makes changes to CDS remuneration]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11196.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Provider payments in March]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[An important update on payments to providers in March]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11198.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Sir Bill Callaghan pays tribute to LSC Chief Executive]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Chair Sir Bill Callaghan pays tribute to Carolyn Regan in speech to Public Bodies 2010 conference]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11175.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court Means Testing – forms and guidance]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Keeping you up to date as CCMT is rolled out]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11160.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Police station advice and assistance]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidelines produced to help when claiming police station matters]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11101.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[How is Crown Court means testing working for you?]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Feedback workshops to be held to allow solicitors to share views on the training, process and our communications]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11096.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[2010 standard crime contract tender is now open]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Applications invited for new three-year term, which begins in July 2010]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11072.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Quality Assurance for Advocates]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Working with the professions to deliver a framework for better advocacy]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_11069.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Financial stewardship]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The LSC reminds providers about importance of accurate claims]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10956.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Supporting evidence required for LGFS claims]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Reaffirming the evidence required in pages of prosecution evidence]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10913.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Information for potential prison law supervisors]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[An overview of how to meet the requirements for the prison law supervisor standard]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10815.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New contract reconciliation team in South Tyneside]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Reconciliation work moves to South Tyneside]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10814.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes to the civil legal aid means test]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes made to coincide with the introduction of means testing to the Crown Court]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10804.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update to the 2010 standard crime contract]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Important information now available on our website]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10807.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Award of Crown Court representation orders for either way cases in early adopters courts]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Defendants refused legal aid on the grounds of means before 11 January in early adopter magistrates’ courts may need to make new applications.]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10782.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court Means Testing – new guidance now available]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New guidance has been published ahead of Crown Court Means Testing (CCMT) starting on 11 January 2010.]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10766.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Notices sent to providers to extend Civil and Crime Contracts]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Copies of notices and covering letters can be found on our website]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10750.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[A further update on Best Value Tendering]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[There will now be a single application process for those who wish to undertake criminal defence service work in any CJS area of England and Wales]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10740.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Further update on Pages of Prosecution Evidence]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance produced for Pages of Prosecution Evidence for Crown Court work]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10700.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Guidance produced for Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New guidance aims to help claimants]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10586.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update on Best Value Tendering]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10703.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC outlines actions following NAO report]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The LSC writes to providers to advise on immediate actions]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10701.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Very High Cost Cases consultation 2010]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Consultation deadline extended by two weeks]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10690.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court Means Testing - new forms for early adopter Magistrates' courts]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Crown Court means testing (CCMT) to be introduced in five early adopter areas on 11 January 2010]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10683.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tender for the 2010 Standard Crime Contract formally announced]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Tender process for 2010 standard crime contract opens in January]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10692.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[National Courts Teams unavailable on 17 December]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Teams in Liverpool and Nottingham will be undertaking Crown Court Means Testing training]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10682.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tenders for 2010 standard crime contract]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Applications invited for new contract that will run from July 2010]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10653.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court means testing  - guidance available now]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[CCMT arrives in the new year and guidance materials are available now]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10650.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[2010 standard crime contracts]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[A clarification on the application process]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10643.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Virtual courts - removal of consent]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Requirement for defendant consent to participate in a live link hearing removed]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10640.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Online training system now available]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Provider readiness training goes live]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10638.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Very High Cost Cases Consultation 2010]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The VHCC consultation commences this week]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10627.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Interactive guide for criminal legal aid solicitors]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New online PDF explains how legal aid will work in the Crown Court]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10601.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update on current and future crime contracts]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Important information for all crime providers]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10593.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update on claiming process for Crown Court work]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC will take over responsibility for processing claims from advocates and solicitor advocates]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10585.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Prison law work - an important update]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Information for providers wishing to do prison law work from July 2010]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10580.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Change to supporting evidence required for LGFS claims]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10517.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Pages of Prosecution Evidence in the Crown Court]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The LSC met with various bodies to discuss the way forward with validating PPE in Crown Court cases]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10515.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update on Crown Court means testing training]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Spaces filling up fast for training dates around the country]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10514.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tendering timetable: 2010 civil and crime legal aid contracts]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Dates announced for 2010 tenders]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10433.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC forms become mandatory on 1 November 09]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We have posted previews of the forms on our website]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10430.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Book now for free business management training]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Legal aid providers urged to sign up now and gain CPD points]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10396.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Further update to LGFS guidance]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes to Litigator Graduated Fee Scheme (LGFS)]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10395.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Deadline approaching for new duty solicitor applications ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Applications need to be in by 13 November 2009 for new duty solicitor rotas starting in the new year]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10400.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Boundary maps for 2010 duty solicitor schemes]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Impact of new postcode boundaries for duty solicitor schemes from July 2010 mapped out in consultation response]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10399.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Training dates for Crown Court means testing]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Take advantage of training sessions about the scheme and impact of new processes ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10401.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes to the way we use peer review]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New approaches to quality assurance for ‘clinical negligence’ and ‘actions against the police’]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10397.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Updates to fee calculator, claim form and guidance]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LGFS calculator, LF1 form and LGFS guidance have all been updated]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10316.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Engaging with Crown Court means testing]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Profession gives useful insight on the roll out of the scheme]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10328.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New measures for pages of prosecution evidence]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes are being made to ensure accurate final figures for pages of prosecution evidence (PPE) in Crown Court cases]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10315.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Sign up for free business management training]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Business and finance training with CPD points is available free for legal aid providers]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10314.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Marking out a quality future for legal aid services]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Launch of the revised Specialist and Mediation Quality Marks]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10313.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Deferral for 2010 Criminal Contract tender]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Start of tendering deferred to allow for MoJ consultation response to ‘Legal aid: funding reforms']]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10310.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Domestic abuse in ethnic minority families]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Research into barriers faced by survivors of domestic abuse from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds (BAME)]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10291.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Single Equality Scheme chalks up successes]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Bold plan proves a step in the right direction for the LSC]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10288.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Address for London Region legal aid applications]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[London Region providers need to send legal aid applications to the correct DX address]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10278.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court Litigator Fee system update]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Updates to Crown Court Litigator (CCLF) online system]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10280.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Next training contract grant scheme will launch in early 2010]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Continuing to invest in the next generation of legal aid solicitors]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10088.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Working towards a replacement very high cost case (VHCC) scheme]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Help required for data collection]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10091.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Litigator graduated fee scheme changes now in force]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes effective 3 Aug 09]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10093.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Free training in business and financial management skills]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Register now for seminars]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10087.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Legal aid - 60 years of justice for all]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Thursday 30 July marks the 60th anniversary of legal aid]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_10032.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Litigator Graduated Fee Scheme changes in early August]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes to the Litigator Graduated Fee Scheme due after 3 August]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9998.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Final chance to volunteer for the Quality Assurance for Advocates research pilot]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Your chance to make sure that any final scheme is fair for all advocates]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9996.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[We publish best value tendering consultation response]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Response sets out plans for BVT pilot in two areas]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9992.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Response to Prison Law Funding consultation]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Response document, impact assessment and Q&A on Prison Law Funding consultation pages.]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9986.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Making sure your LF1 form is processed as quickly as possible...]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We've created a list of additional info you can submit with LF1 forms to speed up processing times]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9920.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The impact of TUPE on BVT]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC believes TUPE will not apply to BVT, should it progress]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9919.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[A new approach to quality assurance]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[From April 2010 we will adopt a more proportionate, tailored approach to quality assurance]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9884.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Engage with... Crown Court means testing]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Crown Court means testing team to host nine 'engage events' for litigators and advocates ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9853.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Advocates needed for QAA pilot]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[More solicitors and barristers needed as we test assessment options for quality assuring criminal advocates ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9855.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Consultation on LGFS funding order amendment to end 19 June]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Draft Litigator Graduated Fee Scheme funding order amendment sent for four-week consultation]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9779.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New National Courts Team assigned to some magistrates' courts]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Some magistrates' courts to refer cases to the Nottingham National Courts Team]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9781.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[dsicmm new form supplier for CDS 14, 15 and 17s  ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[From the 1 July, CDS forms 14, 15 and 17 will be only available for order from a new form supplier, dsicmm]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9774.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Response to Crown Court means testing consultation published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Government responds to public and professional concerns raised during consultation]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9747.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court means testing consultation response to be published early June]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Consultation response will be available on means testing pages]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9716.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Take part in the Justice Awards 2009]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Nominations are now being accepted for the Justice Awards 2009]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9714.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Consultation opens on eligibility for duty solicitor scheme]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Consultation on eligibility and amendments to boundaries launched on 15 May]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9657.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court means testing... an update]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Government response to consultation in the process of being finalised]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9663.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Prison law consultation closes]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Final impact assessment to be published this summer]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9655.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New LSC forms become mandatory on 1 June 09]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We have posted previews of the forms on our website ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9653.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New process for establishing pages of prosecution evidence]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Improved method of establishing pages of prosecution evidence introduced next week]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9582.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Prison law consultation to close on 5 May]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Still time to respond]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9578.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Quality Assurance for Advocates (QAA) pilot]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Calling solicitors and barristers to participate in the QAA pilot...]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9577.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Common reasons for rejecting CDS 18s]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Some tips to help you avoid getting your CDS 18 claim rejected]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9569.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Improving cashflow for our providers]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Our proposal to clear balances for providers with underpaid contracts]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9559.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Important information on contract payments]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes made to contract payment dates following feedback]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9523.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Monthly newsletter for those submitting Litigator Fee claims]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Monthly newsletter to keep you up to date with Litigator Fee]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9515.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Exceptional Cases - how many fixed fees claims can be made per matter]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Look at our FAQs document on Police Station Fixed Fees or call us direct]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9512.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Defence Solicitor Call Centre website available]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Information on the functions you can perform on the DSCC website]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9507.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Deadline for new duty solicitor applications approaches]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[14 May deadline for July 09 rota applications]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9491.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CDS financial eligibility thresholds stay the same]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[No change in CDS thresholds for the forthcoming year]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9454.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Amendment to virtual courts contract]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Notice of Contract amendment sent to holders of the Unified Contract: Crime ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9440.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Response published to the Very High Cost Cases consultation ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We will extend the current interim scheme for 12 months]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9428.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Second consultation on best value tendering and video presentation published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Shaping the future of criminal defence services]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9421.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Are your contact details up-to-date?]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Make sure you give us your up-to-date primary contact email…]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9419.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Improving your Quality Guides - Crime, Second Edition published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Crime Guide Second Edition published on our website.]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9379.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC football tournament open for entries]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Summer tournament open to all as part of our plans to celebrate Legal Aid's 60th]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9374.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Change of location for London CDS processing]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[London CDS4s and 5s processing moving to Nottingham]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9351.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Litigator fee scheme review gets underway]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Full review of scheme starts]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9327.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Extension to VHCC consultation deadline]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Short extension to Future of Very High Cost Cases consultation deadline  ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9300.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Means testing consultation response to be published in April]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The consultation response on the proposal to introduce means testing in Crown Courts will be published around Easter time]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9299.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Consultation launched on prison law funding]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Views sought on prison law funding]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9285.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Download logo for 60th anniversary of legal aid]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The 'picnic table' logo is back as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of legal aid ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9266.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Domestic abuse literature review published  ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Research findings from an investigation into the use of domestic abuse injunctions published]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9256.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Largest wave of providers joins LSC Online system]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[One more wave to go…]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9258.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court means testing consultation closed ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Means testing consultation closes]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9260.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Publication date of second consultation on best value tendering moved to March]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Amendment to proposed publication date, proposed implementation date and impact on current Unified Contract (Crime)]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9259.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New look Focus shapes up to online world]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Interactive features to help you navigate around the magazine]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9238.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Litigator fee claims since 14 Jan]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LF1 form needs to be sent to Liverpool or Nottingham office]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9233.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Our Reading office is moving]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Reading office to move to new premises for 26 January]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9224.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Revised guidance on sub-contractors in VHCC defence teams ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance on sub-contractors revised]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9226.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Improving the defence witness experience ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[HMCS releases DVD aimed at improving witness experience]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9217.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Improving your Quality guides - Employment - 2nd edition]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New edition of employment quality guide published]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9196.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Quality Assurance for Advocates pilot garnering interest]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Profession shows interest in QAA pilot]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9169.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New duty solicitor rotas issued]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Duty solicitor slot allocation sent out]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9171.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Consultation launched on the future of Very High Cost Criminal cases]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Views sought on the future of Very High Cost Criminal cases]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9128.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Weekly payments]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[How we're hoping to speed up payments once bills have been finalised]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9126.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update on reconciliation process]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We have undertaken an initial review of the impact of the reconciliation protocol ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9115.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Exceptional Case Assessments - 3 simple tips on how to claim]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance on how best to claim for exceptional cases]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9112.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Five consultation events this January]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Five January consultation events on Crown Court means testing ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9110.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Quality assurance for advocates pilot announced]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[250 solicitor advocates and barristers sought]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9100.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Have you recently submitted an online feedback or complaint form?]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[You might need to re-send them]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9085.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Guidance on VAT change]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Detailed guidance published]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9067.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Expansion of the LSC Online user base]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New wave of providers join LSC Online ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9038.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Draft amendments to VHCC Panel contracts]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC consulting on panel contracts amendment]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9039.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Progress made on improving efficiencies in the justice system]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Summary of our work on Whole System Initiatives]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9029.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Legal Aid - The Next Generation conference report]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Report into first-ever conference for trainee solicitors on the LSC's Training  Contracts Grants Scheme published]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9023.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update on progress of the Litigator Graduated Fee Scheme (LGFS)]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LGFS starting to reduce turnaround times significantly]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9026.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Further details on the LSC's position on VAT]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[A more in-depth update on how VAT changes will affect providers]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9028.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Consultation on Crown Court means testing - Q&A published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Frequently-asked questions on joint means testing consultation answered]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9033.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Version 5 Criminal Legal Aid forms to become mandatory]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New version 5 Criminal Legal Aid forms to become mandatory from 5 January 2009]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9027.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Improving your Quality guide: family second edition]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Family second edition of Peer Review guides published on website]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9021.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC announces position on VAT changes]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance for LSC providers]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_9010.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update protocol for reconciliations]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Amendments to reconciliations protocol]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8977.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC responses to consultations from other organisations]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The LSC's commitment to respond to external consultations]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8974.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Police Station Fixed Fees: logging cases with the DSCC]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Clarification on payment for police station attendance work]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8968.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Thinking of growing your business?]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC releases new business growth toolkit]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8969.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Consultation launched on payment of Crown Court defence costs]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Those who can afford to pay, should pay]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8936.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Delivery Transformation seeks input from practitioners]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC seeks feedback on proposed 'electronic working' changes]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8918.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC Online is formally re-launched]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[652 providers using LSC Online in England and Wales]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8923.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Nottingham office introduces automated switchboard]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Nottingham office's new telephone system to go live on 17 Nov]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8922.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[More defendants looking for advice in police stations]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSRC report reveals defendant trends]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8910.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC signs up to the new Government Code of Practice on Consultations]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC adopts consultation code of practice]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8906.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[150 grants awarded under this year's Training Contract Grants Scheme!]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Supporting the next generation of legal aid solicitors]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8902.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Proposed contract changes detailed in civil bid rounds consultation]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Crime providers urged to respond to civil contract consultation]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8899.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Significant progress on VHCCs]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Progress on Very High Cost Cases]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8859.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Birmingham office has moved]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New address for LSC's Birmingham office]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8851.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Clarification on claiming fees for Exceptional Cases]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Providers aren't claiming for all the Exceptional Cases they could do...]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8850.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Consultation on Barking and Dagenham centre]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Consultation to be held on new Community Legal Aid centre in Barking and Dagenham]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8840.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Can your clients help shape legal aid services?]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Nominations deadline for client diversity group extended]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8839.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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            <title><![CDATA[Virtual Courts Consultation launched]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC seeks provider views on Virtual Court scheme]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8832.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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            <title><![CDATA[New passporting benefit for legal aid eligibility]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Income-related Employment and Support Allowance included from 27 Oct]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8815.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Survey on legal visits in prisons]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[How effective has HM Prison Service's good practice guide been? ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8812.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[Independent financial management survey launched]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC launches survey to aid provider readiness]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8794.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Quality Assurance for Advocates (QAA) - Equality and Diversity]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Have your say on Equality and Diversity]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8792.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC holds successful workshops on the Interests of Justice test ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Interests of Justice workshops]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8791.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Criminal legal aid claim limits]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Important information regarding claim limits]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8777.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Important Information regarding the use of CDS14, CDS15, CDS16 & CDS17]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Forms become mandatory in 2009 ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8757.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[One million representation orders granted ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Representation order milestone reached]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8750.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Check and update your details on the CLA directory ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Check that your details in the CLA database are correct]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8745.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New LSC forms become mandatory on 1 Oct 08]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Previews available now]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8700.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[Very high cost crime cases]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[An update on our panel scheme]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8721.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[Forthcoming changes to the Recovery of Defence Costs Orders System]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes to RDCO system outlined]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8699.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[Deadline for new duty solicitor applications]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The deadline for new duty solicitor applications is 14 Nov ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8669.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Employment Quality Workshops launched]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Places available on LSC courses aimed at improving quality]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8662.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[Client Diversity Group nominees sought]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC's new Client Diversity Group needs members]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8664.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC Online re-launch makes good progress]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC Online is stable and is being successfully used by the pilot group ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8636.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Progress made on new scheme for very high cost crime cases]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Working group envisages scheme based on payments for stages, core tasks and enhancements]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8623.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[Help shape our equalities and diversity programme of work]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Barristers’ views sought on quality assurance for advocates scheme]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8622.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[A new look for LSC Update]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Targeted content and refreshed design]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8625.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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            <title><![CDATA[Moving forward with Crown Court means testing]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Consultation planned for October]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8624.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Small risk that contract payments may be delayed next month]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Office move might mean a one-day delay]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8621.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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            <title><![CDATA[We're no longer processing claims at our Reading office]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Don't send claim forms to our Reading office]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8568.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[Guide to tendering now available for legal aid practitioners]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Register your interest for a 'how to tender' workshop]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8565.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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            <title><![CDATA[Online subscription service launched]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Sign up online for our regular news updates]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8520.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[LSC helps fund defence representation on LCJBs]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC supports LCJBs with match funding]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8513.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[Means testing for clients with mental health issues]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance available on completing legal aid applications]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8514.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[Update on Payments on Account for hardship]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Clarification on rules for hardship claims]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8519.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[IT problems at LSC South Tyneside]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Systems failure causes some disruption to payments]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8516.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Swapping duty solicitor rota slots]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance on what DSCC will accept]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8511.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[New leaflet for offenders on alternatives to prosecution]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Information on out-of-court disposals for adult offenders]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8501.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[Criminal legal aid means testing]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Taking forward the Post Implementation Review]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8502.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tell us what you think of the LSC Manual]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We seek providers' views on the future of the Legal Services Commission Manual]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8488.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[New functions added to Crown Court Litigator Fee (CCLF) online]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Improvements will be live by 25 July]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8435.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[The way ahead for criminal defence best value tendering]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Response to our best value tendering consultation published and route map announced for criminal legal aid services]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8423.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
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            <title><![CDATA[Tender due for advice services for immigration detainees]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Invitations to tender will be published on Tuesday 22 July]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8407.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Faxes to South Tyneside Business Delivery Centre]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[All faxes will now require an authorisation code, so that urgent faxes can be given priority.]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8405.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Revolution in legal aid lands in Leicester]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Landmark legal advice centre]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8400.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Derby Community Legal Advice Centre officially opened]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The Mayor of Derby cuts the ribbon]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8272.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Police station fixed fees: logging cases with the DSCC]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance on exceptions to cases that come from DSCC]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8318.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[We're making good progress implementing the Unified Contract Agreement]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Update on where we are]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8317.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Important changes to claims for criminal cases from 1 July]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[VAT and cost of travel explained]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8319.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes to travel time recording from 1 July]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Recording travel time no longer required for police stations and magistrates courts]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8247.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC's Financial Operations Group to relocate]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Please amend your contact details from 30 June]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8241.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The Justice Awards 2008 are here!]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Your nominations are invited for the Justice Awards 2008. Who do you know who has gone the extra mile?]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8225.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC to explore equality and diversity issues with solicitor advocates]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Quality Assurance for Advocates project seeks input from solicitor advocates]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8201.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC recruiting Peer Reviewers for Crime and Community Care]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Deadline for applications is 16 June]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8200.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Your chance to shape the future]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Tell us how we can make our processes more efficient, and how we can best move to electronic working]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8119.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Pay dates from June to December released]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[View the settlement dates on our website]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8098.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Unified Crime Contract (July 08) - application period now closed]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The application process has finished, we will write to successful applicants soon]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8092.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tell us how you work with technology]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Survey deadline extended to Friday 30 May - respond online or by post]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8094.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Financial eligibility guidance]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Keycard 44a available to download]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8097.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[2 May deadline for return of crime contract applications]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Don't miss the 4 pm deadline]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8065.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Deadline for return of contract applications approaches]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[July 2008 deadline is approaching - and help is available to avoid common mistakes with applications]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8052.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Advantages to sending in your Unified Contract (Crime) July 2008 application early]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Deadline for validation of contract applications approaches]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8042.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[First applications arriving for Unified Contract (Crime) July 2008]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Deadline for receipt is 2 May 08]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8001.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Very High Cost Case Crime Panel: update]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Interim lists published]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_8003.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Interim lists of VHCC panel members published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[View the lists now]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7976.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Application process for Unified Contract (Crime) July 2008 opens on Monday]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[View or download application documents now]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7974.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Very High Cost Case Panel launched]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Membership finalised]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7936.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update to Forms Masterpack]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Update to CDS forms and guidance from 1 April]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7901.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Focus/Focus on CDS - tell us what you think]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[As Focus/Focus on CDS move online, we want to know how you think the magazine could be improved]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7891.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Senior Presiding Judge's Regional Seminars 2008]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Senior Presiding Judge's Regional Seminars 2008 - dates and locations confirmed]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7888.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Making the grade - peer review workshops now on]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Find out how to make peer review work for you at one of our workshops]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7880.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CDS6 guidance updated]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance revised to reflect recent changes]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7856.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Revised telephone number for CDS form bulk orders]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[There is a misprint on the Forms Masterpack covering letter]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7871.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Crown Court Litigator Fee training update]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[CD-ROM sent out and updated LGFS guidance available]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7862.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[A reminder about quality workshops]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New workshops coming in April]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7850.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Deadline for VHCC contract return approaching]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Important information for solicitor advocates]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7846.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Integrated Criminal Bills Assessment Manual updated]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[View or download the latest version now]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7849.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[How to claim exceptional cases]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Please identify exceptional cases and send to us for assessment]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7847.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA['Improving your Quality' Housing Guide published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[View or download the guide now]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7851.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Contracts re-issued for Very High Cost Case Panel]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Sign and return your contract by 14 March]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7826.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Updates made to criminal legal aid guidance]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[View or download the guidance now]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7786.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tell us how you are helping clients]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Please send in your case studies]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7791.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Your chance to input to best value tendering scheme]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Three weeks left to respond to consultation]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7764.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CDS application forms are being updated]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New forms to be used from 1 April]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7761.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Further updates made to police station fixed fees Q&A]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New version published today]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7763.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Police Station Fixed Fees Q&As updated]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Recent provider queries incorporated]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7745.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The future of very high cost cases]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Steps taken to proceed with an amended scheme]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7724.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Consultation opens on Unified contract (Crime) (Jul 08)]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Views also sought on Duty Solicitor slot allocation consultation]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7658.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Online claims system for litigators graduated fee scheme coming]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[System due to go live on 4 Feb 08]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7660.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CDS Direct Expansion - Phase One]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[CDS Direct is expanding in Greater Manchester, West Midlands and West Yorkshire]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7671.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Four weeks left to respond to best value tendering consultation]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Interactive consultation events underway - sign up now]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7656.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New guidance for using prison video links]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Information and contact details published about video link interviews]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7657.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Defence Solicitor Call Centre expansion - two weeks on]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Statistics show a return to good performance levels]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7655.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[VHCC Panel lists]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The latest LSC position]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7358.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC takes steps to improve DSCC service]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Further guidance given to police stations]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7289.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[VHCC Panel Advocate Contracts]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Important letters to the Bar]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7286.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Defence Solicitor Call Centre opens its phone lines]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC issues further guidance on DSCC procedures]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7282.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Peer review team is on the move]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Functions transfer to Exchange Tower office]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7275.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Police station fixed fees take effect from Monday]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We confirm that the fees include VAT]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7257.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New rules for notifying us of very high cost cases ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Procedure for carrying out high cost cases outlined]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7256.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Defence Solicitor Call Centre takes all police station calls ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Important instructions for referring cases]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7259.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New VHCC panel to start on Monday]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Deadline for signed contracts approaching]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7255.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Litigator graduated fee scheme to take effect from 14 Jan]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New calculator will be available]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7258.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Provider packs and Q&As now available]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New guidance published following recent training events]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7242.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Final VHCC contracts now available for signature]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Documents now available to download]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7225.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes to Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC) from 14 January]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[All police station work must go through the DSCC]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7190.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CDS Direct expansion expected from 1 February]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Slight delay due to Parliamentary approval process]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7187.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[ Final draft VHCC contracts published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Contract and annexes available to download]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7183.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC makes further preparations for CCLF online]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[User details requested for new system]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7161.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Improving efficiencies in the justice system]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA['Whole System Initiatives' pages added to the LSC website]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7164.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Analysis of responses published for the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[View or download our response now]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7154.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[How the LSC will assure and improve quality]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Our policies regarding quality in the reformed legal aid system]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7140.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Consultation opens on best value tendering for criminal defence services]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We are consulting first on the basic principle and possible design]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7141.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Cumulative impact assessment of first phase of legal aid reform published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We have examined the impact of the 2007 reform programme to date]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7138.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Details for training sessions on criminal fee schemes confirmed]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Dates, times and venues announced]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7072.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Deadline for Duty Solicitor CDS12 forms]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Submit your signed CDS12s by 30 Nov 07]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7070.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC Online performance update]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Issues explained and FAQs published]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_7036.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Training on changes to criminal legal aid work]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Training offered to providers on changes to criminal legal aid work]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6993.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[High response rate to General Criminal Contract ensures full coverage across the country]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[2261 legal aid providers have applied]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6971.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC awarded costs over VHCC challenge]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Amount due will now be assessed by the court]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6985.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New codes for police station work]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New police station codes to be used]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6918.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[General Criminal Contract update]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[31 October deadline approaches]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6914.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Good Practice Guide for prison visits now available]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance will help improve efficiency for both defence practitioners and prisons]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6849.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC writes to Law Society about concerns regarding the General Criminal Contract (January 2008)]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Read our letter to Desmond Hudson and our clause-by-clause response ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6786.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC comments on Law Society advice on January 2008 Criminal Contract]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC sets out the facts]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6752.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Updated information on fixed fees for GCC Duty Solicitor Schemes (Jan 2008)]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Five schemes added]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6649.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New fee scheme for litigators]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Response to consultation and impact assessment available]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6580.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update on VHCC Panel tender results]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We expect to inform applicants in early December]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6578.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Updated information on Q&A sessions on the new crime contract]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Dates of briefings now available]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6398.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Post Implementation Review of means testing published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[View or download the report now]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6576.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Application packs for new crime contracts available]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Application period closes on 31 October]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6397.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update to Forms Masterpack]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New and updated forms and guidance available]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6394.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Applications for new criminal legal aid contracts open on 1 October 2007]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Applications for contracts can be submitted by email]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6323.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Whole System Initiatives update]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Work being carried out in Leicester (Family) and Cambridge (Crime)]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6279.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Decision taken to issue new General Criminal Contracts and to appeal judicial review  ]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes designed to keep the criminal defence reform programme on track]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6261.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Slot allocations for duty solicitors confirmed]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[We will continue to use the current system ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6259.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Proposals to amend three sets of CDS Regulations]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes will improve access to criminal legal aid]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6239.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Training sessions to help providers prepare for legal aid reforms]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Dates agreed for events in September]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6238.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Two week delay to implementation of CDS reforms]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Certain reforms will now be implemented on 15 October]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6178.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC holds training sessions in preparation for legal aid reforms]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Sessions will be held in September]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6179.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Extension to VHCC panel tender announced]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Deadline extended in certain circumstances only]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6085.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Important information for VHCC Panel tender applicants]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Change to advocates' signature requirements and amendments to the Q&A ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6048.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[LSC moves some of its business processing work]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Find out where your work is processed with our interactive guide]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_6008.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Market stability representations]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Providers can submit representation forms by 26 July 2007]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5987.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Payment dates now available on the LSC website]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Payment dates for the second half of 2007 are now on the LSC website.]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5908.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New guidance on claiming post charge police station work issued]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[New Point of Principle agreed]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5913.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Consultation on General Criminal Contract amendments launched]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Responses due by 4pm, 9 August 2007]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5912.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Litigator Graduated Fee Scheme consultation launched]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Consultation period opens on 26 June]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5725.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Quality assurance scheme for advocates consultation launched]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Responses welcomed by 17 September]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5754.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New pay scheme for legal aid at the police station]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Reforms to be implemented in October]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5751.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Draft Very High Cost Case (VHCC) contracts published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5717.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Response to further consultation on Market Stability published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Response and RIA available to view or download]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5680.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Response to Very High Cost Case (VHCC) Panel published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Response available to view or download]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5666.asp</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Very High Cost Case (Crime) Best Value Panel tender process begins]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Application process effective 5 June]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5640.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tender for CDS Direct contracts]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Closing date is Friday 8 June 2007 at noon]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5625.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[External mergers guidance published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Guidance on Market Stability moratorium now available]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5584.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[VHCC panel consultation re-opened]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Closing date is 25 May 2007]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5579.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Q&A on recent crime consultations now available]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Updated document to view or download]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5534.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Amendments to the advocate graduated fee scheme published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Revised fees from 30 April 2007]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5513.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Response to Very High Cost Case (VHCC) Panel consultation published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC's response to consultation now available]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5507.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Further consultation on Market Stability Measures launched]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Consultation closes on 18 May]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5503.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[CDS financial eligibility changes published]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes available in issue 53 of our Focus newsletter]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5461.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[General Criminal Contract: Enforceability of amendments for 2007 (London)]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Our position re: 2007 amendments to the General Criminal Contract]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5447.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Changes to codes 2007-08]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Revised codes for civil and criminal claims published]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5456.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Contract changes for criminal legal aid]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Changes enable revised standard fees for solicitors in magistrates courts in 16 urban areas]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5337.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Next steps in reform of criminal legal aid services announced]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[LSC publishes key papers that move us to our goal of best value tendering]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5322.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 12 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Update on criminal means testing forms]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Shorter forms available from 29 January]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5308.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Contract payments now processed at different offices]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Where you will need to send reports from September 2006]]></description>
            <link>http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/criminal/cds_news_5453.asp</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 08 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <author>Legal Services Commission</author>
            <category></category>   
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