The Legal Aid Agency has called for greater capacity in areas across the country and has invited firms to submit bids to support access to legal advice and justice.
Providers will deliver work under the 2024 Standard Civil Contract with bids encouraged in Dorset, Dudley, East Sussex, Hartlepool, Knowsley, Sandwell, Solihull and St Helens. Issues covered include domestic abuse, care proceedings and disputes involving children.
The LAA said it needs more providers to “maintain strong coverage” and welcomes submissions from current legal aid providers who would like to expand, new organisations entering the legal aid market, and organisations able to meet the contract’s quality and supervisory standards.
The agency intends to award contracts to commence as soon as possible after the verification process is complete.
More information is available on the Legal Aid section of gov.uk.
4 responses
It is concerning that there is a call for greater capacity, however the Legal Aid Agency and Ministry of Justice have not recognised that the hourly charging rate and fixed fees within family law are very low and not attractive. Since LASPO when a 10% reduction of fees was imposed there has been no increase.
You’re lucky if you find a solicitor who does legal aid
No increase in rates for 30 years and business costs spiralling means offering legal aid services is simply not viable for a lot of legal practices. it is a national disgrace that people are denied access to justice due to decades of under investment.
Unfortunately providers are deterred by the low costs as providing legal aid is now a charitable action where payments barely covers salaries. They also fail to recognise the number of providers that have had to close due to the harsh auditing process and little guidance and support offered, leading to the LAA attempting to claw so much money back from firms and services that they have become insolvent.