We believe government plans to introduce price-competitive tendering for criminal legal aid are unworkable, and possibly unlawful.
We do not rule out more serious action later on but, at this stage, we believe that it is in the interests of our members and the criminal justice system to engage with the proposals and provide evidence and reasoned alternatives.
In preparing our response, we commissioned research from Andrew Otterburn and Vicky Ling into the finances of legal aid firms, and broader market analysis from Deloitte.
These reports vindicate our grave concerns that the approach proposed by the government is economically unviable.
Law Society legal aid manager Richard Miller stands firm against price-competitive tendering, explaining that the primary statute does not permit the government to remove the client's right of choice in every single case without exception.
Our campaign pack gives an overview of the proposals, offers guidance on how to respond to the consultation and explains how to lobby your local MP directly.
This is the profession's chance to try to find an alternative to PCT, and to influence the debate as to how criminal legal aid is procured in future. Deadline: 10 May.
We have engaged Otterburn Consulting to assess the financial situation of firms performing criminal legal aid work. This will help us to better understand the potential impact of the government's proposals.
In a letter to The Times, nine leading legal academics set out their concerns that the government's plan to cut criminal legal aid and introduce a system of tendering based on price could have devastating and irreversible consequences.
The MoJ has issued details of its plan to introduce PCT for criminal legal aid. The consultation also includes measures to cut a further £220m from the legal aid budget.
Richard Miller sets out the Society’s view on PCT.
Our roadshows discussed the competitive tendering proposals.
An online petition has been launched in protest at the proposal to remove client choice of solicitor.
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