Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Government’s Response to the consultation Criminal Legal Aid: proposals for solicitor fee scheme reform.

01 December 2025 · Ministry of Justice

Proposed by Sarah Sackman Lab Finchley and Golders Green

Justice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • Government is implementing fee increases for criminal legal aid solicitors.
  • Magistrates' courts fee will increase by 10%.
  • Prison work fee will increase by 24%.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the government's response to a consultation on reforming the solicitor fee scheme for criminal legal aid.

Action requested

The government is implementing proposed fee increases, including a 10% increase for magistrates' courts and a 24% increase for prison work. Statutory Instruments will be brought forward to amend the Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013, with the first set to come into force on 22 December 2025.

Key facts

  • The consultation was published on 9 May 2025.
  • An additional £92 million per annum investment is allocated once fully implemented.
  • A 10% increase in magistrates’ courts fees and a 24% increase for prison work are proposed.
  • Fees for solicitors’ appeals work will be uplifted by 10%.
  • The first Statutory Instrument will come into force on 22 December 2025.
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