The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has today issued details of its plans to introduce price-competitive tendering (PCT) for criminal legal aid. The consultation also includes measures to cut a further £220m from the criminal and civil legal aid budget.
Richard Miller, the Law Society's head of legal aid, said:
'It is very concerning that the government appears prepared to sacrifice client choice, which is widely regarded as a vital principle and an important driver of quality in the justice system.'
'We will examine the detail of the government's proposals very carefully and urge members to respond to our consultation on alternatives to PCT before 10 May.'