Criminal Barristers Return to Work 2022-10-18
2022-10-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Criminal Bar Association ended a strike over funding issues.
What recent steps has the Department taken to help support criminal barristers return to work? This includes additional investment and engagement with the Criminal Bar Association leading to the end of a strike. The questioner seeks details on uplifts for new cases, case preparation work, pre-recorded cross-examinations, youth court fees, and plans for future funding.
The system has seen additional investment including an uplift on new cases coming into force by 31 October 2022, further funding for case preparation and pre-recorded cross-examinations, a substantial youth court fee increase, and £1.2 billion more criminal aid spend per year. Plans include responses to the Criminal Legal Aid Independent Review.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Following the end of a strike by barristers, there is ongoing concern about future funding levels.
Can the Department commit to further investment in criminal legal aid beyond the current uplift for barristers? The questioner requests assurances on continued support and adequate funding for the future of criminal legal aid.
A further £135 million per year will be invested in criminal legal aid by the end of November, following publication of the Criminal Legal Aid Independent Review. This is the biggest increase in decades.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Solicitors have received only a 9% increase in fees, prompting concerns from the Law Society about undertaking further work.
Why did solicitors receive a 9% fee increase and how will this impact their willingness to undertake criminal defence work? The questioner wants clarification on the adequacy of the funding for solicitors and if more investment is needed.
The 9% increase does not reflect other investments, such as substantial youth court investments. Further responses to the Criminal Legal Aid Independent Review report will be made at the end of November.
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Assessment & feedback
The inadequacy of the 9% fee increase for solicitors and its impact on willingness to undertake criminal defence work
Not Addressing The Adequacy Of The Funding
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State's intervention to end a dispute was seen as decisive and constructive.
I warmly commend the Secretary of State for ending the dispute; it is important that all parts of the criminal justice system are properly remunerated. The questioner echoes points made previously, emphasizing the importance of proper compensation for solicitors.
My hon. Friend is correct; the criminal justice system works best when all parts function fluidly and effectively for clients' benefit. The Government will respond more fully to the Criminal Legal Aid Independent Review report, considering wider investments for the whole profession.
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Assessment & feedback
The specifics of solicitors' remuneration and compensation levels
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Justice Minister in the other place stated that solicitors face a more parlous situation than barristers with their 9% fee increase.
Given the Justice Minister's comments about solicitors facing a parlous situation, when will the Secretary of State look at properly addressing solicitors' fees, which are below inflation after a 25-year pay freeze?
The hon. Gentleman should refer to the remarks I have made already regarding the matter.
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Assessment & feedback
Addressing the specifics of solicitors' fees and the timeline for review
Referring To Previous Statements
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Sir Christopher Bellamy's review recommended a 15% increase to sustain the criminal legal aid system, but the Government's proposal is only for 9%. The Law Society warns of a collapse in justice without equal funding.
Will the Lord Chancellor adjust his proposals to meet Sir Christopher Bellamy's recommendations and ensure all parts of the criminal justice system are equally funded?
The hon. Gentleman should look at the wider package for the entire criminal justice system, which includes substantial benefits for solicitors.
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Assessment & feedback
Adjusting proposals to meet Sir Christopher Bellamy's recommendations
Changing Subject
Response accuracy